National Weather Service Alabama

Space weather forecasters issued an alert for incoming severe solar storms that could produce colorful northern lights and temporarily disrupt communications. This may result in an "Aurora Borealis" or Northern Lights, as far south as Alabama.

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.

As forecasters with the National Hurricane Center watch the progress of Hurricane Erin, weather watchers say the most powerful storms tend to form later in the year.

Hurricane season is underway and it looks like there are fewer people watching for storms along the Gulf of Mexico. The Trump White House has reportedly made staff cuts to fifteen National Weather Service centers that serve the Gulf.

Budget cuts in Washington are raising concerns for beach safety along the Alabama Gulf coast. The Associated Press is reported staff vacancies as bad as twenty percent at some National Weather Service offices. These are the people who provide forecasts, including beach safety information for both Alabama beach goers and lifeguards.

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.

Alabama schools, cities and towns are shutting down in anticipation of freezing rain, ice and snow in the forecast. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports the winter weather will impact the northern and central portions of Central Alabama late Thursday night through Friday evening.

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.

Alabama is getting a blast of cold, dry air this week, with some cities in the state opening up warming stations in the evenings and overnight. The National Weather Service is issuing a freeze warning for parts of Alabama and reminding about cold weather safety.

Alabama is welcoming cooler weather, and the lower temperatures are sticking around— at least for a little while. Alabama forecasters say the coldest mornings this week will be early on Wednesday and Thursday. With this chill comes the potential for frost in some areas.