AlabamaWX Weather Briefing Video: Christmas Day Afternoon Edition

A QUIET CHRISTMAS EVENING
As Christmas Day transitions into night, a calm and mild evening awaits Central Alabama. High pressure positioned to the east has held off any significant weather, providing mostly sunny skies and high temperatures in the upper 50s to lower 60s earlier in the day. Tonight, expect increasing cloud cover from the west as a weak system approaches. While most areas will remain dry, a few isolated showers may develop west of I-65 by midnight, with lows ranging from the mid-30s in the northeast to the low 40s in the west.

THURSDAY: CLOUDS INCREASE WITH SPOTTY SHOWERS
Thursday brings partly to mostly cloudy skies across the region as moisture begins to filter in ahead of an approaching disturbance. The best chance for scattered showers will remain near and west of I-65, with the heaviest activity confined to areas west of Tuscaloosa. Highs will climb into the mid-50s to mid-60s, cooler in the east where cloud cover will linger longer. Southeastern winds will remain light, maintaining a mild and stable air mass over the state.

FRIDAY: RAIN RETURNS FOR SOME
Friday begins a more active weather pattern with rain chances increasing during the afternoon, particularly in northwest Alabama. A weak frontal boundary associated with a deepening low in Texas will spread moisture into the region. Although much of the state will remain dry through midday, scattered showers are likely to develop by late afternoon. Highs will reach the lower 60s, with southeast breezes picking up slightly, adding to the damp feel. Rainfall totals will remain light, but the unsettled weather sets the stage for a wetter and more dynamic Saturday.

SATURDAY: SHOWERS, THUNDERSTORMS, AND POTENTIAL SEVERE WEATHER
Saturday will be the most active day of the week as a more robust storm system moves into the Southeast. Widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. While instability may be limited due to lingering cloud cover, a favorable wind profile suggests the potential for a few strong storms, especially in the western and central parts of the state. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are likely, with localized heavier totals. The primary severe threats include gusty winds and an isolated tornado, though confidence in widespread severe weather remains low at this time.

SUNDAY: SHOWERS DEPART, CLEARING LATE
Rain and thunderstorms will linger into Sunday morning as the frontal system moves through. By midday, precipitation will taper off, leaving behind partly cloudy skies for the afternoon. Temperatures will remain mild, with highs in the mid-60s, and a light southwest breeze will help dry things out. Sunday evening will see clearing skies, offering a brief respite before the next system approaches early in the new week.

MONDAY: A BRIEF BREAK BEFORE MORE RAIN
High pressure will briefly build into the region on Monday, providing a mix of sunshine and clouds with highs in the mid to upper 50s. It will be a dry and tranquil day, giving residents a chance to recover from the weekend’s storms. However, this break will be short-lived as another fast-moving system brings rain chances back into the forecast by late Monday night into Tuesday morning.

TUESDAY: ANOTHER QUICK-HITTING SYSTEM
Tuesday will feature another round of scattered showers as a weaker disturbance sweeps through the area. Rainfall totals are expected to remain light, and severe weather is not anticipated. Highs will reach the upper 50s to low 60s, with clearing skies expected by evening. This system will pave the way for drier conditions heading into New Year’s Eve.

NEW YEAR’S EVE AND BEYOND
New Year’s Eve looks quiet and cool, with temperatures in the upper 40s under partly cloudy skies. The beginning of 2025 will feature a series of quick-moving systems that could bring additional rain chances later in the week. While the extended outlook suggests an active pattern, there is no indication of significant cold air intrusions, keeping the region mild and wet for early January.

SEVERE WEATHER OUTLOOK
The Storm Prediction Center highlights the potential for severe weather on Saturday, particularly for parts of the Lower Mississippi Valley into Alabama. While confidence in the exact placement and intensity of storms remains low due to timing and instability concerns, this event bears watching. Higher shear and modest instability could result in isolated severe storms, with damaging winds and a brief tornado as the primary threats. Residents should monitor updates as this system develops.

RAINFALL BENEFITS
Despite the stormy forecast, the anticipated rainfall will be beneficial for drought-stricken areas. Central Alabama remains in moderate drought, and the expected 1 to 3 inches of rain through the weekend will help alleviate dry conditions. While localized flooding cannot be ruled out in low-lying areas, the overall impact should be positive for soil moisture and reservoir levels.

BEACH CAST
Partly sunny skies with a slight chance of showers will dominate today along the beautiful Alabama and Northwest Florida beaches, with highs in the mid to upper 60s and a low rip current risk. Tonight, clouds increase with a moderate rip current risk as surf heights rise to 2 to 3 feet; lows will dip into the upper 50s. Thursday brings mostly cloudy skies and a slight chance of showers, with highs in the upper 60s and surf heights increasing to 3 to 4 feet, maintaining a moderate rip current risk. Rip current risks elevate to high Thursday night through Saturday, with surf heights of 3 to 5 feet, scattered showers Friday, and likely rain and thunderstorms Saturday. Sunday offers partial clearing and milder conditions, but high rip current risks persist.

ON THIS DATE IN 2010
Birmingham has never officially recorded a true White Christmas, defined as at least one inch of snow on the ground. The closest came in 2010, when parts of Central Alabama saw snow on Christmas morning, but the Birmingham Airport recorded only a trace. Memorable events like 1929’s snowfall and other holiday flurries keep the dream alive for residents hoping to one day see snow-covered festivities.

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