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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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Americans living in one Southern state will likely see their first frost of the season tonight.
National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists issued a frost advisory for much of central Alabama on Thursday, warning that temperatures as low as 36 degrees Fahrenheit could cause frost in several of the state's most populated cities.
The average low for this time of year is 48 degrees, NWS meteorologist Jason Davis told Newsweek.
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Why It Matters
Over 1 million Alabamians are being warned to prepare for potentially damaging frost as temperatures are predicted to fall into the mid-30s overnight. The NWS office in Birmingham has issued a Frost Advisory that could threaten sensitive vegetation and disrupt planning for upcoming outdoor activities, including Halloween festivities in the region. Residents are advised to take immediate precautions to protect plants susceptible to cold damage.
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What To Know
The frost advisory is effective from 3 a.m. local time to 9 a.m. on Friday, covering 27 counties across central Alabama, including cities such as Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, and Selma.
Frost could form even in areas where air temperatures remain slightly above freezing, especially under clear skies and light wind conditions. Sensitive outdoor vegetation could suffer damage or be killed if left unprotected during this period
Specifically, the advisory applies to Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Dallas, Etowah, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lamar, Marengo, Marion, Perry, Pickens, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Winston counties.
Localized patchy frost is expected where temperatures drop to the forecast range of 34 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. The advisory includes guidance on protective actions, urging residents to cover plants and consider bringing the most frost-sensitive items indoors.
"Temps turn colder Fri/Sat AM. Low temps will be in the 30s w/ a few potentially seeing a light freeze," NWS Birmingham posted on X. "Our first frost is likely. Be sure to protect cold-sensitive vegetation."
NWS Birmingham also shared infographics on X advising people to take proper care of their pets during the cold weather.
Other parts of the U.S. are also facing cold temperatures overnight, with frost advisories issued by NWS offices in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas.
What People Are Saying
NWS Birmingham in a post on X: "Heads Up: Once these clouds clear out and winds die down, chilly conditions will develop overnight with lows in the 30s. There will be low to medium chances of frost development in the northern and western portions of the area, especially in cooler, sheltered locations."
NWS Birmingham in a Thursday forecast: "MUCH colder conditions are on the way tonight as low temps drop into the mid to upper 30s. Frost will be likely Friday morning, especially across our northern and western areas."
What Happens Next
Temperatures will warm to the mid-60s on Friday during the day, but the NWS Birmingham office warned frost would be possible again Saturday morning.
For those preparing for Halloween or weekend activities, the NWS advises layering up in the evenings, as temperatures will fall rapidly after sunset. Trick-or-treaters can expect brisk but dry weather.
The cold spell will last until next week, Davis said, with temperatures returning near normal next Wednesday and then trending above average.
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