Alabama Braces for Widespread Freeze as Northern Counties Stay in the 20s and Cold Air Pushes to the Gulf Coast
ALABAMA — A sharp surge of Arctic air is spreading across Alabama, keeping temperatures locked in the 20s across the northern third of the state while colder air steadily advances southward, setting the stage for a statewide freeze by Wednesday morning — including along the Gulf Coast.
Weather data and temperature maps show a clear north-to-south divide developing across the state, with bitter wind chills already impacting northern communities and falling temperatures expected everywhere else by late afternoon.
Northern Alabama Stuck in the 20s With Single-Digit Wind Chills
Across North Alabama, daytime temperatures are expected to remain in the 20s all day, offering little relief from the cold. An icy north wind will make conditions feel even colder.
Forecasters say wind chills will drop into the single digits by late afternoon, especially in exposed and elevated areas.
“Temperatures will hold in the 20s all day across the northern third of Alabama,” forecasters noted, “with wind chills dropping into the single digits due to an icy north wind.”
Cities such as Huntsville, Florence, Cullman, and Hamilton are among the areas experiencing the coldest conditions.
Central Alabama Temperatures Falling Through the Day
In Central Alabama, temperatures are starting higher but will fall steadily throughout the afternoon, slipping into the 30s by late day as colder air continues to push south.
Communities including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Clanton, Selma, and Montgomery are expected to see noticeably colder conditions as the day progresses.
“Temperatures will fall steadily across the southern half of the state, reaching the 30s by late afternoon,” the forecast stated.
The falling temperatures increase the risk of icy conditions developing overnight, especially on bridges and untreated roads.
Freeze Expected to Reach the Gulf Coast by Morning
Perhaps most significant is what comes next: a widespread freeze expected by Wednesday morning across the entire state, extending all the way to the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Forecast guidance indicates overnight lows will drop below freezing even in typically warmer coastal communities, including Mobile and Gulf Shores.
“Expect a freeze tomorrow morning all the way down to the Gulf Coast,” forecasters warned.
This type of statewide freeze is uncommon for coastal Alabama and poses risks to sensitive plants, exposed pipes, and pets.
Temperature Map Shows Sharp North-to-South Contrast
Temperature data shows a dramatic gradient across Alabama:
- Mid-to-upper 20s across northern counties
- Upper 30s to 40s across central areas, falling quickly
- 50s to low 60s near the coast early, but dropping overnight
This contrast highlights the rapid movement of cold air southward, with no part of the state expected to avoid freezing conditions by morning.
Safety Precautions Urged Ahead of Overnight Freeze
Residents are urged to take precautions ahead of the freeze, including:
- Protecting pipes and outdoor plumbing
- Bringing pets indoors
- Covering or moving sensitive plants
- Using caution on roads late tonight and early Wednesday
WaldronNews.com will continue monitoring conditions across Alabama and provide updates as temperatures fall and freeze impacts become clearer overnight and into the morning hours.