Birmingham To Open Warming Station Ahead Of Freezing Weather

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A forecast that includes freezing temperatures in Birmingham has prompted the City of Birmingham to open Boutwell Auditorium as a warming station for those without access to heat.

Boutwell will be open Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. each day. Because of the threat of COVID-19, everyone entering Boutwell will be required to wear a mask. Masks and hand sanitizer will be provided. To combat the spread of COVID-19, no food or clothing donations will be accepted.

However, the following items will be accepted:

• Bottled water
• Pre-packaged, individually wrapped snacks
• Blankets
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Travel-size hygiene products

Drop-off times for donations will be Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Boutwell. Donors may pull up in front of Boutwell and someone will be present to unload their vehicle.

"The main axis of a very deep trough will move through Alabama Monday, continuing the flow of much colder air into the state and the potential for a few flurries in north Alabama," meteorologist Scott Martin said. "Daytime highs may reach the lower 40s to the lower 50s early on, but will drop into the mid to upper 30s around or just after 6 p.m. and into the upper 20s to the lower 30s by midnight. Overnight lows will range from the lower 20s in the northwest to the upper 20s in the southeast."

Martin said Tuesday and Wednesday will be uneventful weather days, with mornings starting off very chilly and afternoons staying cool. Tuesday’s highs will be in the mid to upper 40s.