textproduct: Huntsville

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 913 AM CDT Sat Mar 28 2026

- A Red Flag Warning will be in effect for all of north Alabama through 7 PM this evening due to low relative humidity values and gusty winds.

- Colder conditions are forecast today, with highs only peaking in the lower 60s -- reinforced by brisk northerly winds of 10-20 mph, with locally stronger gusts.

- A more unsettled, rainy pattern is expected to begin by Wednesday of next week.

NEAR TERM

(Tonight) Issued at 224 PM CDT Sat Mar 28 2026

Early afternoon observations show sustained winds between 10-15 MPH, with gusts up to 20-25 MPH across the Tennessee Valley. Meanwhile, dewpoints that have fallen into the upper teens to low 20s, creating RH values 15-25% range. All this, coupled with critically dry fuels have created Red Flag conditions across the entire region. Thus, a Red Flag Warning is in effect until 7 PM. A burn ban is in place across the entire Tennessee Valley region per the Alabama Forestry Commission. No burning permits will be issued today, according to their latest information.

Thankfully, we will see a reprieve later this evening and overnight as winds weaken substantially after sunset. Additionally, they will veer to the southwest after Midnight, which will gradually help dewpoints recover overnight. Thus, the Red Flag Warning should be allowed to expire by 7 PM this evening. Otherwise, a clear night. Overnight lows will still be on the chilly side, dropping into the upper 30s to the lower 40s.

SHORT TERM

(Sunday through Monday) Issued at 913 AM CDT Sat Mar 28 2026

High pressure will remain the dominant weather feature across the Tennessee Valley early next week, promoting mostly clear and dry conditions. Southwesterly flow will redevelop, helping to advect Gulf moisture back into the region. This will mitigate the fire weather concerns for Sunday, as Min RH values in the 35-40 percent range will be common. A notable warming trend will take place as highs will return to the low to mid 70s on Sunday and the upper 70s to lower 80s by Monday thanks to the ample sunshine and warm air advection.

LONG TERM

(Monday night through Friday) Issued at 1144 PM CDT Fri Mar 27 2026

Monday night into Tuesday an upper high builds just off the southeastern CONUS, while a longwave trough axis develops over the western Great Lakes area that extends southwest into Missouri and Kansas. Moist low level flow from the Gulf of America will help to bring much more moist air into the region. As a few weak shortwaves more around the western edge of the upper level ridge off the southeast coast, some isolated to widely scattered showers could develop Tuesday afternoon.

As the longwave trough axis slides east or southeast and weakens, various disturbances move ENE through it and bring a more unsettled weather period to the area. This is a much needed rainy pattern it looks like on and off through the end of next week. Right now, most of this activity seems to lack strong enough shear to be worried about any severe thunderstorm potential. However, general thunderstorm activity is expected at times, especially Wednesday through Thursday of next week. Our warmest day looks to be Tuesday (highs in the lower 80s). However, cloud cover and more persistent rainfall chances will likely keep highs in the 70s mostly Wednesday through Friday of next week. Some heavy rainfall could develop during this period.

AVIATION

(18Z TAFS) Issued at 1241 PM CDT Sat Mar 28 2026

VFR conditions will be the predominant flight category through the period underneath a clear sky. Winds will be gusty out of the NE between 15-25 kts through 00z, before weakening after sunset. Winds will be light at the surface overnight, but veer to the SW. However, included some LLWS after 09z out the SE at 2 kft around 40 kts as indicated by forecast guidance.

CLIMATE

Issued at 913 AM CDT Sat Mar 28 2026

The Climate Prediction Center has included Northwest AL in a Moderate Risk for Heavy Precipitation for April 4th-5th. There is a 40-60% chance for precipitation to reach or exceed 1-1.5 inches during this period.

More information on the CPC U.S. Hazards Outlook can be found at: https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/threats/threats.php

HUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

AL...Red Flag Warning until 7 PM CDT this evening for ALZ001>010-014- 016.

TN...None.