Autumn Begins with Unseasonable Warmth in Birmingham While Tropical Disturbance Develops in Gulf

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – As the astronomical fall officially begins today, residents in Birmingham are experiencing weather more typical of late summer. The autumnal equinox occurred at precisely 7:43 a.m. CDT, marking the start of fall. Despite this seasonal transition, temperatures have lingered above average, with morning lows in the upper 60s to lower 70s. The average low for September 22nd stands at 64°F, illustrating a noticeable warmth.

The day is expected to remain mostly sunny to partly cloudy, with high temperatures likely reaching the lower 90s. Westerly winds will prevail at speeds between 5 and 10 mph, ensuring that those with evening plans will enjoy dry conditions and cooler temperatures, dropping to the low to mid-80s by 7 p.m. CDT.

Looking ahead to Monday and Tuesday, the unusually warm weather is predicted to persist. Morning temperatures may start in the lower 70s, with the possibility of upper 60s in areas north of Interstate 20. Some changes in the weather pattern could emerge, with a minor chance for isolated showers or thunderstorms on these days. Highs will continue to be five to eight degrees above the average of 84°F, potentially bringing the temperatures into the lower 90s.

Meanwhile, meteorologists are closely monitoring a disturbance in the western Caribbean. The National Hurricane Center has attributed a 70% probability of this system developing into a tropical depression or storm within the next seven days. Some models suggest that a fast-moving storm could impact the eastern Gulf of Mexico by midweek, with a potential landfall in the Florida Panhandle or Florida Peninsula by Thursday or Friday. Residents in the Gulf Coast regions, from Louisiana to the western coast of the Florida Peninsula, are advised to follow updates from the National Hurricane Center.

This possible tropical system’s development remains uncertain, and forecasters warn that its intensity and trajectory could influence weather conditions in the Southeast. A cold front could also interact with the tropical system, further impacting the rainfall chances toward the end of the week. As a result, cooler temperatures with highs in the lower 80s and scattered showers are expected on Thursday and Friday.

In the wider Atlantic, weather experts are also monitoring additional systems. One low-pressure area several hundred miles southeast of Bermuda has a minor 20% chance of developing into a tropical depression. Additionally, a tropical wave anticipated to emerge from Africa has a higher chance, at 40%, of becoming a named storm in the coming week.

Residents are encouraged to download the WBRC First Alert Weather app for timely updates and are reminded that the hurricane season will continue until December 1. The atmospheric conditions suggest that the Atlantic may remain active into October.