Alabama Expected to See a Much Warmer Christmas Week as CPC Outlook Shows Above-Normal Temperatures Across the South

ALABAMA — The latest 8–14 Day Temperature Outlook, released by the Climate Prediction Center (CPC), shows that Christmas week will bring unusually warm conditions across Alabama, marking a dramatic shift from the bitter Arctic air set to reach the Deep South beforehand. Forecast models indicate that high temperatures in Alabama are likely to reach the 60s and even low 70s between December 21–27, 2025, placing the state firmly in the above-normal temperature category.

Warm Pattern Dominates the South as Christmas Approaches

According to CPC’s updated national map, nearly the entire Southern U.S. is shaded in dark red, representing a 60–90% probability of above-normal temperatures during the holiday week. This includes Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, and large portions of Texas.

The warm anomaly zone stretches from the Gulf Coast through the Tennessee Valley and into parts of the Mid-Atlantic, suggesting a broad regional warm-up following the Arctic blast expected in the days prior.

A Sharp Reversal After Bitter Cold Arrives First

Meteorologists note that before the mild Christmas stretch begins, a surge of bitterly cold air will plunge into the Deep South. This cold outbreak, arriving earlier in the week, is expected to bring:

• Widespread sub-freezing temperatures
• Wind chills well below normal
• A brief return to conditions typically associated with mid-winter

However, this cold air mass is forecast to depart quickly, paving the way for a significant warming trend that will carry into Christmas week.

How Warm Could Alabama Get?

Based on CPC projections and regional forecast data:

• Most of Alabama will see highs in the 60s
• Southern Alabama may climb into the low 70s at times
• Overnight lows will also moderate, reducing freeze risk after the Arctic front moves out

This warm spell represents a strong rebound from the preceding cold wave and signals a milder-than-normal holiday period for much of the Southeast.

Warmer Than Normal Across Most of the Nation

The CPC map indicates that:

• The entire southern half of the United States is likely to experience above-normal temperatures
• Below-normal temperatures will be confined primarily to the Pacific Northwest, northern Rockies, and parts of northern New England
• The Midwest and Great Lakes are in a near-normal temperature zone, acting as a transition band between warmth to the south and chill to the north

Overall, Christmas week 2025 appears poised to favor warmth rather than winter storms for a majority of Americans.

What This Means for Holiday Travel

For Alabama and surrounding states, mild temperatures could benefit travelers by:

• Reducing the potential for snow or ice
• Improving road conditions after the early-week cold
• Supporting more stable weather patterns heading into December 25

However, meteorologists caution that the warm pattern does not eliminate the possibility of rain systems developing, which can still affect travel.

Stay connected with WaldronNews.com for continued updates on the evolving Christmas week forecast and all statewide weather developments.