textproduct: NWS Birmingham

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 1150 AM CDT THU APR 9 2026

- Warm temperatures are expected Friday through next Thursday, with rain-free conditions through at least Wednesday.

- Fire danger will be somewhat elevated the next couple of days due to recent dryness, lower RH values, and elevated winds, but sub-critical conditions are expected.

- Drought conditions are expected to worsen through next week.

DISCUSSION

(This afternoon through next Thursday) Issued at 1150 AM CDT THU APR 9 2026

Central Alabama remains dry for the next week. The region will be under the influence of a mid-level ridge that will build in from today to Saturday before shifting eastward to the Carolina coast by Sunday and Monday. The ridge will hold in place as shortwave disturbances pass through the Great Plains and miss Alabama to the north. This is seen with increased rain chances (20-40%) across West TN, northern MS, and much of AR Sunday night into Monday. By Wednesday, a much stronger trough will move across the High Plains, with an associated surface low dragging a cold front eastward toward the lower Mississippi Valley by Thursday morning. This may promote some low rain chances (15-30%) for northwestern Central Alabama by next Thursday. The trough will push up against the ridge, which will continue to hold next week over the Gulf, Florida, and SE Atlantic. Ultimately, due to this interaction, current modeling suggests that the front may struggle to advance into Central Alabama by the end of next week.

High temperatures will continue on a warming trend over the next week, into the low 80s tomorrow and mid 80s each day through next Thursday. Fire weather concerns will continue to be elevated over the next few days with RH down into the 25-35% range each afternoon and continued drought conditions across a good portion of Central Alabama.

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AVIATION

(18Z TAFS) Issued at 1150 AM CDT THU APR 9 2026

VFR conditions are expected for the next 24 hours, with E to ESE winds occasionally gusting to 15-18 kts this afternoon before decreasing this evening.

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FIRE WEATHER

Dry conditions are expected through at least Wednesday, with high pressure dominating the pattern. RH values remain in the upper 20 to the middle 30s each afternoon through Sunday. Easterly 20ft wind around 15 mph this afternoon, with lighter winds on Friday. Although conditions are expected to remain below red flag thresholds, ongoing drought conditions will keep fuels very dry. Any fires could spread quickly due to the prevailing breezy conditions that are forecast. Conditions will be closely monitored over the coming days.

PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS

Gadsden 75 44 79 47 / 0 0 0 0 Anniston 74 47 79 50 / 0 0 0 0 Birmingham 76 52 81 53 / 0 0 0 0 Tuscaloosa 78 52 81 52 / 0 0 0 0 Calera 77 50 81 51 / 0 0 0 0 Auburn 74 51 79 53 / 0 0 0 0 Montgomery 77 51 81 52 / 0 0 0 0 Troy 77 51 81 52 / 0 0 0 0

BMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.