Birmingham is starting Wednesday, November 11, with clear skies, calm winds and temperatures near 45°F, but the city has one more warm Veterans Day ahead before a sharp late-week cooldown. Mostly sunny skies should push the high to about 73°F, with west winds increasing to around 10 mph and only a 10% chance of rain.
Brief Rain Chance Wednesday Night
A few showers could pass through Birmingham between 9 p.m. and midnight Wednesday, November 11, although the chance of rain is only about 30%. Skies are expected to clear afterward, with temperatures settling near 49°F.
Cold Front Brings Frost Risk
Thursday, November 12, turns sunny but cooler, with a high near 64°F and northwest winds of 5 to 15 mph. The bigger change arrives Thursday night, when the low could fall to 37°F and patchy frost may develop after 5 a.m. Friday.
The National Weather Service Birmingham says the weekend could bring the first widespread frost and freeze risk of the season across parts of Central Alabama. Birmingham is forecast to dip to about 32°F Friday night and Saturday night, with frost expected Friday morning, Saturday morning and again before 8 a.m. Sunday, November 15.
Freeze-Date Context and Plant Protection
The National Weather Service Birmingham lists November 9 as the average date of the city's first freeze, a climatological timing benchmark rather than a prediction for this year. Its records list October 18, 1948, as Birmingham's earliest first freeze; that record is distinct from this week's forecast. For sensitive plants, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System says a loose cover of lightweight fabric, such as a bed sheet, can add 3 to 5 degrees to the air temperature around plants. It also notes that warm-season vegetables including peppers, tomatoes, squash, corn and okra can begin to show foliage damage at 33°F.
Sunny, Then A Slow Warmup
Friday, November 13, should stay sunny with a high near 55°F, followed by a sunny Saturday near 54°F and a mostly sunny Sunday near 58°F. Highs should rebound into the low 60s by Tuesday.
No watches, warnings or advisories were listed for the Birmingham forecast area Wednesday morning. Gardeners and anyone with sensitive outdoor plants may want to cover them before Friday morning and again over the weekend as the colder nights arrive.
