cold temperature

The cities of Montgomery and Birmingham and the Jimmie Hale Mission will have warming stations open night as some of the first blasts of winter weather hit Alabama. Low twenties are in the forecast from the Tennessee Valley to Tuscaloosa and the Magic City. The Gulf coast is expected to be closer to thirty.

Some of the first wintry weather of the season is on the way for much of the U.S. in the coming days, including potentially record low temperatures for parts of the South and snow in the Northern Plains. Alabama woke up in the upper twenties in Huntsville, upper forties in Mobile, and mid thirties over much of the rest of the state. Chillier conditions are yet to come.

Snow may soon be returning in the forecast across Alabama. The record books say mid-January is historically the coldest time of year in Central Alabama, which can bring wintery weather, ice, sleet and flurries. That could be the case next week, according to meteorologists.

A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for the northern third of Alabama as forecasters say conditions are increasing for possible snow and ice. In preparation for the incoming inclement weather, the Alabama Department of Transportation is ramping up its preparation efforts on roadways and bridges.

As icy temperatures and arctic air continue to hit Alabama, warming stations are keeping their doors open to help shelter residence from the cold. Stations are open in Mobile, Birmingham and Huntsville. That's also the case for Tuscaloosa, where the county's Emergency Management Agency is asking for donations to help those in need.

The forecast calls for the coldest temperatures this week tonight with the upper teens along the Tennessee Valley. Communities from Decatur to Mobile are opening warming stations to help those without heat.

Snowfall is looking more likely for Alabama this week. The National Weather Service said conditions continue to be favorable for the probability of winter precipitation affecting the northern half of the state. This is the prediction for Thursday into Friday.

As temperatures are dropping across Alabama this week, Huntsville has been preparing for extreme cold and potential winter weather. Warming centers will be available across the city with free rides being provided. The Public Works Department, Huntsville Police and the Emergency Operations Center will monitor icy road conditions.

As temperatures are expected to fall below freezing in Alabama, the City of Birmingham and Jimmie Hale Mission will open its nightly warming station Monday through Thursday. Those needing warm shelter can come to the mission on 3420 2nd Ave North. Food will be provided.

Alabamians are once again being told to brace for frigid temperatures and extreme frost across the state. Local meteorologists remind residents to continue to practice cold weather safety. The National Weather Service is issuing a cold weather advisory from midnight to 8:00 a.m. on Friday, with a widespread hard freeze in the forecast.