Alabama Faces Thunderstorms As Cold Front Approaches This Weekend

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Alabama residents are preparing for active weather over the next few days as thunderstorms are expected Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. A cold front is also forecast to arrive by Sunday, bringing cooler temperatures and drier conditions.

According to First Warning meteorologist Jason Simpson, scattered thunderstorms will develop mainly in the afternoon and evening hours on Thursday and Friday. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a level two “Slight Risk” for severe weather across much of North and Central Alabama.

On Thursday morning, light showers will occur but are expected to diminish by noon. Scattered heavy storms are then likely to form between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., moving from northwest to southeast across the state. Residents should prepare for gusty winds, heavy rainfall of up to one inch, and small hail.

Simpson noted that some storms may contain wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and hailstones larger than a quarter. Friday’s weather will be less predictable, beginning with a mostly cloudy sky and only a few light showers before a gradual increase in scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon.

For Friday, forecasters expect the storms to be less frequent, with chances for severe weather remaining low. Many areas could experience multiple rounds of scattered showers without significant storm strength.

This week’s forecast for Saturday has changed significantly, with persistent rainfall expected across Alabama throughout the day. The heaviest rain is likely in the Birmingham area from sunrise through 5 p.m., with total rainfall potentially exceeding two inches in some locations.

By Saturday night, the cold front will pass, bringing in drier air and cooler temperatures for Sunday. Morning lows may drop to the upper 40s and lower 50s. Residents are advised to stay aware of changing weather conditions and to follow local weather updates through the WVTM 13 app.