BIRMINGHAM / NORTH AND CENTRAL ALABAMA — A multi-day wet and stormy pattern is settling over North and Central Alabama through the coming week, with Tuesday delivering a 90% rain chance and heavy thunderstorms capable of 60 mph wind gusts, quarter-size hail, and intense lightning — while GFS model data suggests some areas could accumulate over 5 inches of total rainfall by the weekend across the Birmingham, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Cullman, Gadsden, and Anniston corridor.
Tuesday 90% Rain Chance — Heavy Storms Before 8am and Again in the Evening
Tuesday brings two distinct rounds of storm activity to North and Central Alabama. The first round consists of scattered showers and heavy thunderstorms arriving before 8 a.m., followed by warm and humid conditions through the day with a south breeze up to 20 mph pushing highs into the upper 70s.
The evening brings a second and more impactful round of afternoon and evening thunderstorms carrying a limited but real severe risk — including wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, hail larger than a quarter, intense lightning, and heavy downpours. Rain chance for Tuesday sits at 90% — one of the highest probability rain days the region will see this week.
Wednesday AM Storms Likely — Strong Cells South of I-20
Wednesday continues the wet pattern with rain and thunderstorms likely before sunrise, followed by additional storm chances through the afternoon — mainly targeting communities south of Interstate 20. Some of those afternoon storms could turn strong across the southern half of Alabama. Highs will reach near 80 degrees with a 30% rain chance after 8 a.m.
Wednesday carries an impact designation alongside Tuesday on the 7-day forecast — flagging it as another day requiring weather awareness across the region.
Thursday and Friday Bring Brief Breaks With More Rain Returning
Thursday offers a partial break from the active pattern with partly cloudy and warm conditions, mainly dry through the afternoon, though more showers are possible late Thursday night. Highs reach the mid-70s with only a 10% rain chance during the day.
Friday turns partly to mostly cloudy again with occasional showers returning — particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. Highs drop to the lower 70s with rain chance climbing to 50% by 5 p.m.
Saturday Brings Heavy Rain Periods — Sunday Turns Cooler and Drier
Saturday continues the wet stretch with mostly cloudy skies, periods of rain and thunder, and highs only reaching the upper 60s. Some rain periods Saturday could be heavy at times — adding significantly to the weekly rainfall accumulation total across the region.
Sunday finally delivers a shift in the pattern — cooler and drier conditions with a chilly morning low of 44 degrees and highs near 70 degrees, offering Alabama residents their first genuine break from the prolonged wet stretch.
Monday Brings Unusually Cold Morning Lows in the Upper 30s
The following Monday brings a notably cold start with morning lows dropping to the upper 30s to lower 40s in the coldest spots — unusually chilly for early May across Alabama. Afternoons recover with sunny, dry, and warmer conditions pushing highs back into the mid-70s.
GFS Model Shows 5 Plus Inches Possible for Some Areas by Weekend
GFS model rainfall accumulation data through Saturday shows the most significant totals concentrated across a broad central corridor — with some areas within North and Central Alabama potentially accumulating over 5 inches of total rainfall by the time the weekend pattern winds down. While forecasters are not committing to the highest model totals, even the more conservative 3-inch estimates represent meaningful and beneficial rainfall for a region that missed out on significant accumulation during the previous weather system. Stay with GordonRamsayClub.com for the latest updates.
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