A sunny start, then storms take over
This Memorial Day weekend, Alabama residents and visitors can expect a mixed bag of weather, beginning with a pleasant Friday but followed by potentially severe storms on Saturday and Sunday. According to the National Weather Service and the Storm Prediction Center (SPC), a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather has been issued for central and western Alabama on Saturday, with a Level 1 (marginal) risk in effect for a broader portion of the state.
Saturday’s storm outlook
The SPC has elevated the storm threat for Saturday, placing areas such as Birmingham and Tuscaloosa under a Level 2 risk, which indicates the possibility of scattered severe storms. Elsewhere, cities like Florence, Gadsden, Talladega, Montgomery, Auburn, and Troy fall under a Level 1 risk, extending from northwest to southeast Alabama.
Although not all areas will see storms, and rain will not last all day, there is a notable chance for isolated to scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening hours. Main threats include damaging wind gusts, hail, and heavy rainfall. The tornado risk remains low, but downed trees and power outages could occur in localized areas.
Sunday’s severe potential increases
Sunday’s outlook continues the unsettled trend, with most of north Alabama and a wide swath of central Alabama under a Level 2 severe weather risk. The rest of the state, with the exception of the southwestern corner, remains under Level 1.
Once again, the greatest storm activity is anticipated in the late afternoon through evening, and although some locations might escape the rain, others may experience strong, fast-moving thunderstorms.
Looking ahead to Memorial Day and beyond
Forecast confidence for Monday and next week is still developing. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service note the possibility of continued storm activity, but current data isn’t strong enough to officially include severe weather risks in the extended forecast just yet.
Alabama’s coastal areas and the eastern regions may not be under a formal severe weather designation, but could still receive occasional rain and thunderstorms throughout the weekend.
Stay alert as updates from the Storm Prediction Center and local weather services are expected, particularly as we move into the holiday.
