Honestly, if you’ve lived in Central Alabama for more than five minutes, you know the weather has serious commitment issues. One day you’re wearing a light jacket and thinking about spring, and the next, you’re digging through the attic for that one heavy coat you bought for a trip to Chicago. This week is a classic example of that "Magic City" moodiness.
The Birmingham AL 5 day forecast is currently looking like a bit of a rollercoaster, starting with some dreary clouds today and ending with a genuine chill that might make you want to stay in bed until March.
What’s Actually Happening Right Now?
Today, Saturday, January 17, is staying pretty stubborn. It's cloudy. Like, "gray ceiling" cloudy. We’re looking at a high of 50°F, which isn't terrible, but the 93% humidity makes the air feel heavy. There’s a tiny 10% chance of rain during the day, which usually just means a annoying mist on your windshield.
But tonight? That’s where things get interesting.
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The temperature is going to tank to 29°F. The clouds are expected to clear out, but not before a small window where we might see a few flakes. Yes, there's a 10% chance of snow late tonight. In Birmingham, that’s basically a city-wide emergency, even if it doesn't actually stick to anything.
Breaking Down the Birmingham AL 5 Day Forecast
If you're trying to plan your week, here's the deal. Tomorrow, Sunday, is going to be gorgeous but deceptively cold. Expect bright sun and a high of only 38°F.
West winds will be kicking at about 10 mph. It's the kind of day where the sun looks warm through a window, but the second you step outside, the wind reminds you that it is, in fact, January.
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- Monday, Jan 19: We start the work week with more sun. The high recovers a bit to 46°F, but the low drops to a bone-chilling 24°F.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: It stays sunny and cold. High of 40°F, low of 23°F.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: The clouds return. We’ll hit 50°F again, but rain chances start creeping up to 25% by nightfall.
Basically, we’re looking at a dry, cold stretch before the next system moves in mid-week. It’s pretty typical for January in Alabama, where the average high usually sits around 54°F. We're running a few degrees below that "normal" mark this week.
Will It Actually Snow?
Look, the "S-word" is a big deal here. According to the National Weather Service and current data from the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, the moisture is exiting just as the cold air arrives tonight. That’s the classic Alabama heartbreak—dry air chasing the cold. While the forecast mentions a 10% chance of snow, don't go buying all the milk and bread just yet. It’s more likely to be a few stray flurries that disappear before they hit the pavement.
Why the Temperatures Are Swinging
We're currently in a bit of a transition period. Earlier this month, we had some heavy rain—over an inch on January 2nd alone—and now we’re seeing the "dry cold" phase.
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The dew point is dropping significantly, which is why Sunday and Monday will feel so crisp. When the humidity is low (around 36-43%), the air doesn't hold heat well. That’s why we see these massive swings from a 50-degree day to a 20-degree night.
Survival Tips for the Next Few Days
Since it's going to be hovering around the freezing mark for several nights in a row, you should probably do the usual "Alabama Winter" checklist:
- Drip the faucets: Especially on Monday and Tuesday nights when we hit those low 20s.
- Check the pets: If they usually stay outside, they’re gonna need a warm spot. 23°F is no joke for a dog.
- Layer up: Monday morning is going to be brutal for the commute.
The Birmingham AL 5 day forecast shows we’ll be back to some "light rain" and "cloudy" conditions by Wednesday night. For now, enjoy the sun while it lasts, even if you have to view it through a thick sweater.
To stay ahead of the chill, keep your outdoor plants covered starting tonight. If you have sensitive pipes on north-facing walls, Tuesday night is your biggest risk factor due to the 23°F low and northerly winds.