NO VIDEO TODAY DUE TO TRAVEL

The first day of December not only ushers in a new month, but also marks the official start of meteorological winter. This seasonal shift will bring clear skies and a cool, pleasant day across Alabama. Expect highs to range from the lower 50s in northern Alabama to near 60 along and south of the U.S. Highway 80 corridor. Enjoy the sunshine and calm weather as we move into meteorological winter.

WELCOME TO DECEMBER: As we enter December, Birmingham is at the center of its transitional weather patterns, marking the second coldest month of the year. Daily highs typically range from 60°F at the beginning of the month to 55°F at the end, while lows fall between 40°F and 36°F. Extremes are not uncommon, with Birmingham experiencing a record low of 1°F on December 23, 1989 and an unusually warm 80°F on December 7, 1951. December brings an average of 4.87 inches of precipitation, making it the seventh wettest month, with precipitation recorded about 10 days per month. Snowfall is rare but possible, with an average of 0.2 inches in December, although historic events such as the 8-inch snowfall on New Year’s Eve 1963 are remembered. The month also falls during Birmingham’s peak tornado season, with an average of two tornadoes per year and a history of deadly outbreaks, such as the Christmas Day tornadoes in 2012. December’s varied weather underscores the importance of remaining weather aware and prepared Be prepared for a wide range of conditions.

A COLD NIGHT is coming
As the sun sets Sunday evening, expect mostly clear skies and a light northwest breeze. Temperatures will drop rapidly overnight, leading to further widespread frost. Lows will range from the mid 20s in the northeast and higher elevations to near 30 degrees in parts of the southeast. Take precautions to protect sensitive plants and pets.

Monday brings a blast of fresh, cold air
The work week begins with sunny skies, but an intensifying blast of cold air will limit high temperatures to the upper 40s in northern Alabama and the mid 50s further south. Monday night will be particularly cold, with low temperatures reaching the mid-20s across the state. If you’re heading out early Tuesday morning, dress well – it’ll feel like the middle of winter.

TUESDAY: THE COLDEST DAY OF THE WEEK
Tuesday’s highs will likely struggle to reach the mid-40s in most locations as the weather continues to be dry. Another heavy frost is expected on Tuesday evening and temperatures will again be in the mid-20s. Although it’s cold, sunny skies make for picturesque conditions across the state.

The midweek warm-up begins
Wednesday brings a subtle warming trend as upper elevation winds shift to the west and west-northwest. Highs will climb into the mid 50s, providing some relief from the cold earlier in the week. However, the clouds will become heavier in the evening as a disturbance approaches from the west.

Showers return on Thursday
There will be moderate rain again on Thursday, with isolated showers expected across the region. The highest rain chances will be in central and southern Alabama, but even there precipitation amounts are expected to remain light. Highs will be in the mid 50s while lows will fall into the upper 30s overnight.

The week ends with more clouds and patchy showers
Friday will see mostly cloudy skies and isolated showers as the aforementioned disturbance continues. Highs will range from the lower 50s in the north to the mid 50s in the south. Again, precipitation amounts won’t be impressive, but increasing cloud cover will make the days feel cooler.

FIRE WEATHER OUTLOOK
As dry conditions continue into midweek and relative humidity drops to near 30% in the afternoon, outdoor burning is not recommended. Winds will remain light, but the lack of precipitation means increased fire danger, particularly in north-central Alabama.

BEACHCAST: Sunny skies and pleasant conditions will greet beachgoers on Sunday along the beautiful coasts of Alabama and Northwest Florida, with highs in the lower 60s and gentle northerly winds around 5 mph. Surf heights are around 30cm and water temperatures stay around 60° – perfect for a calm day on the shore. Skies will be clear and temperatures will remain cool Sunday evening, with lows falling into the lower 40s. The work week brings more sunshine, calm surf and slightly warmer highs reaching the mid 60s by Wednesday. The risk of rip current remains low, but as always caution should be exercised near piers and jetties. Enjoy the quiet beaches this week!

Click here to view the Beach Forecast Center page.

BUH BYE HURRICANE SEASON: The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was hyperactive and devastating, but less than seasonal forecasts, with 18 named storms, five major hurricanes and record-breaking intensity. Florida faced three hurricanes in three months – Debby, Helene and Milton – causing widespread destruction, flooding and loss of life. Helene devastated Tampa Bay and western North Carolina, while Milton quickly intensified, bringing extreme winds, rain and a deadly tornado outbreak. Beryl set records as the earliest Category 5 hurricane, and this season has seen unusual storms such as tiny Oscar and late-season Hurricane Rafael. The relatively low number compared to forecasts was due to an eerie lull in activity during the normal peak of hurricane season in early September. The human and economic damage has been immense, with hundreds of deaths and over $50 billion in damages, highlighting the urgent need for resilience and preparedness.

DANCING WITH THE STATS: I’m on my way to Topeka KS today. The capital city of Kansas picked up 3.3 inches of snow from a small Alberta clipper system yesterday. It was enough to set a record for the date.

WEATHERBRAINS: We’ll be talking about the National Weather Service Buddy System with friend of the podcast Tim Brice, Marissa Pazos and Laura Belanger. It is a program that connects new hires with established employees to promote retention. Check out the show at www.WeatherBrains.com. You can also subscribe on iTunes. You can watch the show live on our new YouTube channel for the show and you can watch the live show on James Spann’s 24×7 Weather Channel on cable or straight over the air on the Dot 2 feed.

ON THIS DATE IN 1988: You’ve heard of the Rose Bowl. The Orange Bowl. The sugar bowl. But the Hurricane Bowl? The University of Alabama was scheduled to play Texas A&M in College Station, Texas in September, but Hurricane Gilbert caused the game to be postponed when Crimson Tide coach Bill Curry refused to send his team to Texas. The hurricane hit Mexico and ESPN cameras showed clear blue skies and beautiful weather at game time the next day at the scheduled kickoff time. When the game was replayed on December 1, the Crimson Tide destroyed the vaunted Aggies 30-10. Follow my weather story tweets on Twitter. I’m @wxhistorian on Twitter.com.

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