Alabama – Prepare for a dramatic change in Alabama’s weather this weekend, starting with scorching temperatures on Friday and transitioning to stormy conditions ahead of a cold front on Saturday.
Residents can expect a muggy morning followed by highs soaring into the mid-90s, making Friday one of the hottest days of the week. However, the heat will give way to a line of storms moving through the northern part of the state, setting the stage for cooler and less humid weather by Sunday.
Friday’s Heat and Weather Hazards
Friday is expected to be a blazing day statewide, with temperatures peaking around 95 degrees as a west breeze transports hot, dry air across the region. Cities like Birmingham already hit 92 degrees on Thursday, and Friday will push those numbers even higher. While most areas will remain dry, a few isolated showers could develop in the afternoon heat.
More significantly, a line of potentially severe storms will be closely monitored as it moves through Tennessee and northern Alabama late in the afternoon and into the early evening.
- Storm threats are highest in the Tennessee Valley area, especially near The Shoals, Athens, Decatur, and Huntsville.
- The line of storms may begin reaching The Shoals as early as 6 p.m., moving southeast at 20–30 mph through 10 p.m.
- Lightning is a significant concern, with possible delays to outdoor activities and high school football games during this period.
“Lightning will be a threat to outdoor activities, and some lightning delays at games will be possible,” warned local meteorologists.
Saturday’s Cold Front and Storm Activity
The weather pattern changes markedly on Saturday as a long-awaited cold front moves into Alabama early in the morning. This front brings scattered showers and a chance for locally heavy thunderstorms throughout the day, with the best rain chances concentrated from sunrise to early afternoon.
- Temperatures will decrease to the 80s behind the cold front on Saturday afternoon.
- Humidity will drop, setting the stage for a more comfortable day on Sunday.
Saturday’s College Football Weather Preview
The weather on Saturday will present challenges for college football fans, especially during early games. Occasional showers and thunderstorms may affect early kickoffs, including:
- Liberty at Jacksonville State (11 a.m.)
- The Citadel at Samford (2:30 p.m.)
- Miles at Alabama State (4 p.m.)
For major matchups like Alabama vs Auburn, the risk of rain and thunderstorms should diminish by kickoff time, but fans can expect a chance of storms during pregame activities.
Comfortable Mornings and Warmer Afternoons Next Week
A strong high-pressure system originating from Canada will settle over the eastern United States starting early next week. This will bring northeast winds over Alabama, resulting in more stable and dry weather conditions.
- Mornings will be comfortable, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to 60s Monday through Wednesday.
- Afternoon highs will remain warm but reasonable, mostly in the 80s as reported.
Atlantic Hurricane Season Update: New Tropical System Monitored
As of now, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has produced six storms, including Category Five Hurricane Erin. Historically, the season’s peak is near September 10, but seas remain relatively calm.
The National Hurricane Center has highlighted an area in the eastern Atlantic with a high chance of development into a tropical depression. This system is expected to move toward the Caribbean over the next week, potentially affecting the Leeward and Virgin Islands.
- Currently, this developing system poses no threat to the Gulf Coast or East Coast.
- Forecasters will continue to monitor its path closely to provide updates.
Stay Prepared and Informed
With severe weather warnings in place and fluctuating temperatures, residents are advised to remain vigilant over the weekend. High school and college sports fans, in particular, should be aware of possible lightning delays and be prepared for sudden weather changes.
What do you think about this weather forecast? Will the storms affect your weekend plans or football games? Share your thoughts and weather photos in the comments below!
