Alabama to Face Arctic Air This Weekend as 128°F Temperature Difference Spans from Canada to Florida
ALABAMA — A massive temperature divide stretching across North America will bring a sharp blast of Arctic air into the Deep South this weekend, with Alabama expected to experience the coldest stretch of the season while Florida stays comparatively mild. The contrast is staggering — a 128-degree difference between Old Crow, Yukon (–44°F) and Miami, Florida (84°F) — underscoring just how powerful this Arctic front has become.
Arctic Air Moves Southward
Meteorologists say the frigid air, originating over northern Canada, will surge deep into the United States by the weekend, bringing widespread subfreezing conditions across the Midwest and into the Southeast.
By Sunday night into Monday (Dec. 13–15), Alabama is forecast to see lows drop into the teens and 20s across the northern and central parts of the state, while highs may struggle to climb above 40°F through early next week. Cities including Huntsville, Decatur, Fort Payne, and Cullman could see multiple nights of hard freezes, while Birmingham and Tuscaloosa will hover in the mid-20s during the coldest mornings.
The cold front is expected to arrive late Saturday night or early Sunday, delivering a brisk 36-hour period of Arctic air before conditions gradually ease. While the chill will be widespread, forecasters emphasize it will not reach record-breaking levels — calling it “brutal but manageable.”
Cold but Dry Weekend for the South
Despite the Arctic plunge, no significant rain or storms are expected across the state. A few isolated showers may accompany the front, but the cold will be the dominant story. Sunshine will return early next week, though highs will remain well below seasonal averages.
Forecasters with WeatherBell Analytics note that while the cold blast will be strongest across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and New England, Alabama will still feel the southern reach of the Arctic system. Northern states could see wind chills as low as –30°F, particularly across Minnesota and Wisconsin, before the system shifts eastward into New England.
What to Expect in Alabama
- Friday–Saturday: Gradual warm-up with highs near 60°F and sunshine.
- Saturday night–Sunday: Arctic front arrives, sending temperatures sharply downward.
- Sunday–Tuesday: Highs in the upper 30s to low 40s; overnight lows in the teens and 20s.
- Midweek: Slow recovery with highs returning to the 50s by Wednesday.
Residents are urged to protect pipes, plants, and pets as freezing temperatures grip much of the state through early next week.
This cold snap comes as part of a larger continental temperature swing, with some regions in Canada enduring wind chills near –80°F, while parts of Florida bask in mid-80s warmth.
Stay tuned to NapervilleLocal.com for further updates on the evolving Arctic front and its impact across Alabama and the Southeast.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.