Alabama Forecast to Hit 70 Degrees or Higher on Christmas Day as Warm Pattern Continues
ALABAMA — Forecast models show that the entire state is on track for an unusually warm Christmas Day, with afternoon highs expected to reach or exceed 70 degrees statewide. Meteorologists say temperatures on December 25 may come close to challenging long-standing warm-weather records across multiple Alabama cities.
Temperatures Expected to Feel More Like Early Fall
According to the latest NBM temperature projections, most of Alabama will sit comfortably in the low to upper 70s by mid-afternoon Thursday. This widespread warmth is part of a persistent pattern that has kept colder air locked far to the north through much of December.
Forecast temperatures across Alabama are projected to range from 70° to near 78°, depending on region—significantly higher than what residents typically experience on Christmas Day.
How Forecasts Compare to Previous Christmas Warmth Records
Many of Alabama’s Christmas warm-weather records were set in 2016, and this year’s temperatures could come close to those benchmarks in several cities. Current Christmas Day record highs include:
- Huntsville: 77°F (2016)
- Muscle Shoals: 78°F (2016)
- Birmingham: 78°F (2016)
- Anniston: 78°F (2015)
- Tuscaloosa: 80°F (2016)
- Mobile: 80°F (2016)
- Montgomery: 82°F (2016)
- Dothan: 82°F (2015)
Although forecasters are not yet predicting widespread record-breaking temperatures, many locations may come within a few degrees of the warmest Christmas Day readings ever observed.
Warm Weather Dominates Southeast Heading Into the Holiday
This warm setup extends well beyond Alabama, with much of the Southeast sitting in the 70s and even low 80s. A dominant ridge of high pressure is responsible for the above-normal temperatures, preventing colder air masses from pushing south in the days leading up to Christmas.
Unlike typical late-December holiday weather, no significant cold fronts are expected to arrive before or on December 25.
A Weather Pattern Unlikely to Change Before Christmas
Meteorologists say the warm air mass appears stable, meaning Christmas Day will almost certainly feel more like mid-autumn rather than winter. Residents planning outdoor gatherings or travel can expect dry, mild, and unseasonably warm conditions through the holiday period. For continued updates on major weather changes across the region, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
