Birmingham, AL, September 25, 2025

News Summary

Alabama is experiencing worsening drought conditions with over 91% of the state classified as drought or abnormally dry. Despite impending rainfall, local meteorologists warn that the expected amount will not sufficiently replenish groundwater or alleviate dryness. With no measurable rain recorded in Birmingham for weeks, fire risks are elevated. Residents are advised to monitor weather conditions closely.

Alabama Faces Increased Drought Conditions Despite Recent Rainfall Events

Alabama is currently battling worsening drought conditions, with nearly every county in the state classified as either “abnormally dry” or in a “moderate drought.” The situation is concerning, especially as the state prepares for expected heavy rain and storms on Wednesday and Thursday, with rainfall totals anticipated to average close to an inch. However, this amount is deemed inadequate to thoroughly soak the soil and replenish groundwater levels.

The WBRC First Alert Weather Team has designated Wednesday and Thursday as First Alert Weather Days due to the potential for this weather system, marking the first widespread rainfall event the state has seen in weeks. Despite the forecast of rain, Alabama’s drought persists, with 91.04% of the state experiencing drought or abnormally dry conditions. Notably, 62.87% of Alabama is classified under Level 1 (moderate) drought, a significant increase from the previous week.

While meteorologists indicate that rainfall is crucial, they emphasize the need to consider groundwater depletion in addition to surface rainfall amounts. According to local meteorologists, September is typically the second driest month, while October is known to be the driest month, resulting in drought conditions being common during this period.

The Birmingham Fire and Rescue has warned residents about the heightened risk of wildfires during these dry conditions, cautioning that even small sparks can lead to fast-moving fires. Alarmingly, October has yet to record any measurable rainfall in Birmingham and other regions within Alabama, marking the fourth consecutive week without rain. If the dry conditions persist, it is possible that many areas could finish October lacking any measurable precipitation, significantly below the typical monthly average of 2 to 3 inches.

Historical rainfall data indicates that Birmingham and surrounding areas have recorded no rain thus far in October, contrasting sharply with November figures where the probability of increased precipitation suggests a potential shift to a wetter pattern. The local meteorological services encourage residents to stay informed about the changing weather conditions by downloading weather applications for timely updates and alerts regarding storms.

Current Drought Status

As per the latest data, the drought situation in Alabama is alarming, with a total of 91.04% of the state being either in drought or classified as abnormally dry. Fortunately, no areas are currently under Level 3 (extreme) or Level 4 (exceptional) drought classifications, which could have severe implications for water supply and agriculture.

Local reports indicate that the severe weather systems expected in late fall and early winter could potentially alleviate these drought conditions, providing hope for improved water sources and mitigating fire risks associated with drought.

Conclusion

As Alabama braces for expected rainfall and the risk of wildfires, residents should stay vigilant and informed about the weather conditions impacting their area. Taking precautionary measures and remaining aware of evolving drought conditions will be crucial as October progresses.

FAQ Section

Key Features of the Drought Situation in Alabama

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Birmingham Faces Severe Drought as Lake Purdy’s Water Levels Drop to 56 Percent

Additional Resources

• WBRC: Rainfall Impact on Alabama Drought
• WBRC: Brush Fires Amid Drought
• AL.com: Drought Conditions Worsening
• ABC3340: Lake Purdy Water Levels
• Montgomery Advertiser: La Nina and Winter Weather
• Wikipedia: Drought
• Google Search: Alabama Drought Conditions
• Google Scholar: Impact of Drought on Agriculture
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Drought
• Google News: Alabama Weather

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.