Birmingham Weather: Is Snow On The Way?

BIRMINGHAM, AL - When Alabamians here "snow" they often head quickly to the grocery store to stock up on bread and milk, re-stock their supplies of firewood and get out their winter clothes that have not been used in a year. That word has been batted around by local meteorologists this week regarding a front that is expected to hit early next week.

However, the extent to which the snow will affect Birmingham has not been determined. Meteorologist James Spann, in a report by Alabama News Center, said, "We will be much more specific on the snow situation and impact over the weekend as we get within the 72-hour forecast window."

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Spann did say he is seeing the following:

• Precipitation should begin early Tuesday, during the pre-dawn hours, as light rain over north Alabama.
• The light rain will change to light snow during the morning as an Arctic front passes through and temperatures fall.
• The main window for snow will come from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday.
• Systems like this typically don’t produce heavy amounts of precipitation, but the coldest air so far this season will roll in during the day, with surface temperatures falling below freezing. Even with light snow, this will have potential to create icy travel across the northern half of Alabama Tuesday and into Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.
• Current indications show the greatest potential for accumulation along I-20 and points to the north. Locations south of I-20 can see snow and accumulation as well, though warmer surface temperatures will increase melting rates and limit accumulation there. It is too early for specific accumulation predictions.
• Temperatures will drop into the teens across north Alabama both Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

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