Alabama’s Long Dry Spell Ends as Weekend Showers Return, With Strong to Severe Storms Possible Wednesday and Up to 3 Inches of Rain in North Alabama by November 7
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA — The long dry spell across Alabama is finally coming to an end. Showers return this weekend, followed by a stronger system on Wednesday, November 4, that could bring rain and storms, including a risk of strong to severe storms in South Alabama.
For most of the state, the last meaningful rain fell on October 10, when Hurricane Isaias moved through.
Saturday: Light Rain at Times Through the Evening
Showers return on Saturday, October 31, but the rain will not be widespread or heavy. Anyone with outdoor Halloween plans should be ready for light rain at times through the evening hours. Highs reach the 70s, with Birmingham near 77 degrees.
Saturday Night Into Sunday: More Widespread Rain, Not a Washout
Rain becomes more widespread Saturday night into part of Sunday, November 1, but Sunday will not be a washout. Temperatures hold in the 60s across the northern half of the state, with Birmingham near 67 degrees.
Weekend rain totals are expected to stay around half an inch or less for most places.
Monday and Tuesday: Mostly Dry Before the Next System
Monday and Tuesday, November 2 and 3, look generally dry. Showers then increase Tuesday night ahead of an upper-level trough and surface cold front.
Wednesday: Rain and Storms Likely With a Dynamic System
Rain and storms are likely on Wednesday, November 4. This is a dynamic system with some surface-based instability, which could support stronger storms.
For now, the greatest risk of strong to severe storms appears to be over South Alabama. Forecasters say more specific details will not be available until Monday, after the weekend system passes.
Rain totals with this system are expected in the 1 to 2 inch range, with locally heavier amounts.
Seven-Day Rain Totals Through Saturday, November 7
Forecast rainfall through 7 a.m. EST Saturday, November 7, shows the heaviest totals in North Alabama:
| Area | Forecast Rainfall |
|---|---|
| Northwest Alabama | About 3.1 inches |
| North and north-central Alabama | About 1.9 to 2.7 inches |
| Central Alabama | About 2.1 to 2.2 inches |
| South Alabama | About 0.9 to 1.2 inches |
| Southeast Alabama | About 0.6 to 0.9 inches |
Neighboring Mississippi and Tennessee also show 2 to 3+ inches in spots, while much of Georgia stays lighter at about 0.3 to 1.4 inches.
Birmingham Temperature Outlook
| Day | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Oct. 31 | 77°F | |
| Sun, Nov. 1 | 67°F | 58°F |
| Mon, Nov. 2 | 72°F | 57°F |
| Tue, Nov. 3 | 75°F | 58°F |
| Wed, Nov. 4 | 73°F | 62°F |
| Thu, Nov. 5 | 73°F | 58°F |
| Fri, Nov. 6 | 72°F | 52°F |
| Sat, Nov. 7 | 72°F | 48°F |
| Sun, Nov. 8 | 70°F | 47°F |
| Mon, Nov. 9 | 69°F | 47°F |
| Tue, Nov. 10 | 69°F | 46°F |
Mornings turn noticeably cooler after the front, with lows dropping into the upper 40s by next weekend.
End of Week and Next Weekend: Dry and Seasonal
After Wednesday’s system, the weather turns dry and seasonal for the end of the week and the weekend of November 7 and 8.
What to Do Before Wednesday
- Review severe weather plans, especially in South Alabama
- Make sure weather alerts are turned on
- Clear gutters and drains ahead of 1 to 2 inches of rain
- Check forecast updates on Monday for specific storm timing
Stay with Bchssreport.com for the latest updates on this story.
About The Author
