News Summary
Birmingham, Alabama, is currently experiencing hazy skies and variable temperatures as the summer approaches. A smoky haze is forecasted for the week with humidity increasing, leading to possible thunderstorms. This May has seen significant rainfall, marking it as the second wettest on record for the city. Residents should remain cautious as severe weather is expected over the weekend, including localized flooding and strong winds.
Birmingham, Alabama is experiencing hazy skies and fluctuating temperatures as summer approaches. Early this week, a smoky haze is expected to cover the city, with conditions becoming increasingly humid as the week’s temperatures rise. Although Birmingham usually reaches at least one 90-degree day by May 23, this year has yet to see such highs.
The forecast indicates Tuesday will be a relatively dry day, with high temperatures in the upper 80s. However, humidity could make it feel warmer than the actual temperature. On Wednesday, spotty thunderstorms are anticipated to return due to the influence of an upper-level low near Florida. As humidity continues to rise, the likelihood of thunderstorms will increase, particularly as the week progresses.
Weather conditions are projected to change significantly by Thursday, when additional storms are expected as the upper-level low weakens and moves eastward. By Friday, temperatures could feel as hot as the mid-90s due to high humidity and elevated dew points in the 70s. Heavy downpours are anticipated over the weekend as a cold front approaches.
Birmingham has already seen considerable rainfall this month, with totals reaching 11.29 inches, marking it as the second wettest May on record for the city. Tuscaloosa has set a new record with 14.46 inches of rain, making it the wettest May for that area. In comparison, the average May rainfall in Birmingham is only about 4.59 inches. The substantial rain this month has meant extensive use of umbrellas among residents.
While waves of storms are expected over the weekend, it is important to note that rainfall will not affect all areas at the same time. The risk of thunderstorms comes with potential hazards such as strong winds, lightning, and possible flooding. Localized flooding remains a concern, with some areas expected to receive more than 2 to 3 inches of rain between Saturday and Sunday night. Saturday and Sunday have been designated as First Warning Impact Days due to the threats posed by severe thunderstorms.
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring an area near the southeast coast for possible development, which carries a 10% chance of evolving into a storm within the next week. While currently a non-tropical low, it could acquire tropical characteristics as it moves further over the waters. Moreover, a significant plume of Saharan dust is set to arrive by the end of the week, contributing further to the hazy conditions.
As May comes to an end, Sunday represents the start of meteorological summer, even though the official start date comes later in June. Weather patterns are expected to transition into hot and humid conditions, particularly next week. As summer weather sets in, thunderstorms are likely to become more frequent towards midweek, continuing into the weekend.
Looking back historically, the earliest recorded 90-degree day in Birmingham occurred on April 18 in 2006, while the latest was on June 18 in 2001. If Birmingham does not reach 90 degrees before June 2025, it will mark the latest first 90-degree day since 2014.
As residents prepare for the changing weather, they are reminded to stay informed about forecasts and be cautious of potential severe thunderstorms and localized flooding, especially over the weekend.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Police Investigating Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash in Village Creek
Investigation Underway in Birmingham Fatal Crash
Over 25,000 Residents Evacuated as Wildfires Rampage Across Canada
Get Ready for a Celestial Show: Northern Lights Expected Tonight!
Birmingham Hosts Weekend of Family Fun and Entertainment
Birmingham Experiences Second Wettest May on Record
Crash Involving VA Bus in Downtown Birmingham Injures Six
Tragic Passing of Former NYPD Police Commissioner
Birmingham Weather Update: Record Rainfall and Thunderstorms Ahead
Alabama Study Shows Fortified Homes Reduce Insurance Claims
Additional Resources
- WVTM13: Alabama Weather Forecast – Weekend Storms
- Wikipedia: Weather in Alabama
- WVTM13: Alabama Weather Forecast – Radar & Storm Outlook
- Google Search: Birmingham Weather
- WVTM13: Alabama Memorial Day Weekend Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Bham Now: Birmingham’s Rainiest May on Record
- Google News: Birmingham Severe Weather
