How cold will it get? Alabama braces for first statewide freeze, arctic chill, and even a chance of snow flurries

After a stretch of mild fall weather, Alabama residents should prepare for a sharp change in conditions as a powerful cold front sweeps through the state this weekend. While Saturday brings sunshine and comfortable temperatures, an arctic air mass is poised to move in by Sunday, bringing the coldest air of the season so far — and the likelihood of the state’s first widespread freeze.

Saturday’s Mild Weather Won’t Last Long

Most of Alabama will enjoy a pleasant Saturday before the cold arrives. Early morning fog lifted quickly, giving way to sunshine and a mix of clouds during the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 70s to low 80s in many areas — a warm and comfortable setup for outdoor activities.

The weather should be ideal for football fans heading to the Miles vs. Tuskegee game or Alabama vs. LSU matchup in Tuscaloosa, with highs in the mid-70s and only a slight chance of an isolated shower later in the day. Winds from the southwest between 5 and 10 mph will keep the air feeling mild through the evening.

However, clouds will start to build again by nightfall as the next front approaches from the northwest, signaling big changes ahead.

Cold Front Brings Sunday Drop in Temperatures

A strong cold front will begin pushing through central Alabama late Saturday night into Sunday morning. While most areas will remain dry, a few light showers or isolated storms may occur before sunrise. After a brief warm-up to the low 60s Sunday morning, temperatures will steadily fall through the afternoon, dropping into the 50s by 3 p.m.

Northwest winds between 10 and 20 mph — with gusts up to 30 mph — will make it feel even colder. Forecasters advise securing outdoor decorations and patio furniture before the front moves in. Sunday night will turn blustery and much colder, with wind chills dipping into the 30s.

First Alert Weather Days: Monday and Tuesday

The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Watch for much of central and northern Alabama Sunday night into Monday morning, which is likely to be upgraded to a Freeze Warning later tonight. Overnight lows will plunge into the upper 20s and lower 30s — marking the first widespread freeze of the season.

Residents are urged to protect plants, pets, pipes, and people. Bring potted plants inside, check on neighbors, and make sure outdoor animals have warm shelter.

Monday morning will bring a biting chill, with wind chills in the upper teens and low 20s as northerly winds blow 10–15 mph. Highs will struggle to reach the low to mid-40s, even with sunshine. The cold will persist into Tuesday morning, with lows dropping again into the 20s, resulting in a hard freeze for many communities.

Snow Flurries Possible, But Unlikely to Accumulate

Forecasters are also watching for a small chance of light snow flurries or a rain-snow mix late Sunday night into early Monday, especially in northeast Alabama. However, no accumulation or major travel impacts are expected due to warm ground temperatures and limited moisture.

Warming Trend by Midweek

The deep freeze won’t last long. By Wednesday, southerly winds will return, allowing temperatures to rebound into the upper 60s and low 70s. Morning lows will also moderate, returning to the 40s by midweek — a much-needed break after the early winter chill.

The cold snap may make for a dramatic start to the week, but forecasters say it’s part of a typical early-November pattern, reminding residents that winter is just around the corner.

FAQs

1. When will Alabama’s first freeze of the season occur?

Most areas will experience their first freeze Sunday night into Monday morning, with lows in the upper 20s and low 30s.

2. Will it snow in Alabama this week?

A few light flurries or a rain-snow mix are possible in northeast Alabama late Sunday or early Monday, but no accumulation is expected.

3. How cold will it get?

Temperatures will drop into the 20s and 30s statewide, with wind chills making it feel even colder — in the upper teens in some spots.

4. When will it warm back up?

By midweek, temperatures will rebound into the upper 60s and low 70s as southerly winds return.

5. What precautions should I take for the freeze?

Bring pets and plants indoors, cover outdoor pipes, and check on vulnerable neighbors.