Stormy outlook for Alabama starting Saturday
Memorial Day weekend in Alabama is shaping up to be unsettled, with several rounds of storms likely, especially from Saturday through Monday. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has updated its outlook, placing central and western Alabama, including Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, under a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather on Saturday. The rest of the state will be under a Level 1 (marginal) risk, which extends from Florence through Gadsden, Montgomery, Auburn, and Troy.
Isolated to scattered severe storms expected
The SPC defines a Level 2 risk as one where scattered severe storms are possible. These storms may bring damaging wind gusts, hail, and torrential rainfall. The risk of tornadoes remains low, but wind damage and flooding are key concerns. Storms are most likely during the afternoon and evening hours, when daytime heating typically increases atmospheric instability.
Friday offers a brief break
Before the stormy period begins, Friday will provide a short window of calmer weather. Expect partly cloudy skies and low rain chances, giving residents and travelers one good day to enjoy the outdoors ahead of the unsettled pattern.
Sunday continues the threat across most of the state
On Sunday, the severe weather threat shifts slightly, but most of Alabama—with the exception of Mobile and Baldwin counties in the southwest—remains under a Level 1 risk. This means isolated severe storms are possible statewide, though coastal and eastern regions are less likely to see strong activity.
Possible extension into Monday and beyond
The National Weather Service indicates that the stormy pattern could persist into Monday and even into the following week. However, confidence remains low, and no official severe weather risks have been added to the outlook yet. Forecast updates will refine this picture as the weekend progresses.
Important takeaway
Although not every part of Alabama will experience storms, and it won’t rain all day, the risk for severe weather is spread wide enough that holiday plans should include flexibility, especially in the afternoon and evening hours of the weekend.
