textproduct: NWS Birmingham

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 557 PM CDT WED APR 15 2026

- Fire danger will remain elevated over the next several days due to recent dryness, low daytime humidity, and increased winds at times. Outdoor burning is highly discouraged.

- Near-record high temperatures are expected through Saturday, followed by a shot of cooler air early next week.

- Drought conditions are expected to worsen across Central Alabama despite the potential for light rain amounts Saturday night.

DISCUSSION

(This afternoon through Tuesday) Issued at 110 PM CDT WED APR 15 2026

Broad southwest flow associated with an eastward-moving trough is shown to bring a smaller, low-amplitude shortwave trough across the Tennessee Valley region on Thursday. Ensemble data suggests that the bulk of showers/storms left over from today/tonight's southern Plains activity, and any renewed activity on Thursday, will be to our northwest/north; however, some activity may manage to affect a few locations northwest of the 59 corridor. For a majority of Central Alabama, it'll be another seasonably warm and dry day.

A larger, and more powerful, trough will sweep across the U.S. this weekend, sending a front across Alabama Saturday night. Based on model trends, this system has a better potential to bring some rain to a bit more of the state, favoring locations northwest of the 85 corridor. This certainly won't be a drought-busting rain, though.

Sunday's highs will be near 15 degrees cooler and there is at least a low chance for some communities to reach the upper 30s Monday morning north of a Birmingham latitude. At this time, the wind and humidity forecast Monday morning is not supportive of frost. Temperatures then steadily warm through the rest of the week. 89^GSatterwhite

AVIATION

(00Z TAFS) Issued at 557 PM CDT WED APR 15 2026

VFR conditions are anticipated for the entire TAF period.

/44/

FIRE WEATHER

Elevated fire danger conditions shall persist over the next several days due to drought conditions, low daytime humidity, and increased winds at times.

MinRHs through Saturday are forecast to be in the 30 percent range though some locations may slip into the upper 20s. Daytime winds will sway from south to southwest near 5-10 mph with infrequent gusts as high as 15-20 mph, light at night.

A front comes Saturday night with showers favoring locations northwest of the 85 corridor. At this time, locations near and north of the 20 corridor stand the best chance for measurable rain, averaging less than 0.50 inch.

Behind the front, MinRHs on Sunday are currently forecast to be in the upper 20s to lower 30s with northwest winds between 10-15 mph and gusts near 20 mph. There is some potential that Sunday dew points and MinRH will need to be lowered a tad. Winds become lighter from the northeast on Monday and southeast on Tuesday, between 5-10 mph, though MinRHs should be even lower, reaching the lower 20s for many locations.

CLIMATE

Issued at 1106 AM CDT WED APR 15 2026

Record High Temperatures:

April 15: KBHM: 88/1936 KEET: 85/2012 KANB: 89/1972 KTCL: 88/1972 KMGM: 91/1972

April 16: KBHM: 89/1977 KEET: 84/2013 KTCL: 90/1955 KMGM: 90/1925

April 17: KBHM: 90/1955 KEET: 86/2013 KTCL: 92/1955 KMGM: 90/1955

April 18: KBHM: 91/2006 KEET: 90/2006 KANB: 90/1955 KMGM: 91/2006

PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS

Gadsden 55 85 58 89 / 0 10 10 10 Anniston 58 84 60 88 / 0 0 0 10 Birmingham 61 85 62 89 / 0 10 10 10 Tuscaloosa 58 85 61 88 / 0 10 0 0 Calera 58 86 60 88 / 0 0 0 0 Auburn 60 84 61 87 / 0 0 0 0 Montgomery 57 87 60 90 / 0 0 0 0 Troy 57 86 59 88 / 0 0 0 0

BMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.