Near-Record Heat Precedes Weekend Cold Front and Showers

A strong East Coast ridge will bring scorching temperatures before a cold front arrives with much-needed rainfall.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:58pm

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A vast, majestic landscape painting in the style of Caspar David Friedrich, depicting a dramatic, sweeping view of a stormy sky with heavy clouds and rays of sunlight breaking through, casting a warm glow over a vast, desolate expanse, conveying the overwhelming power and scale of the natural world.As a powerful high-pressure system brings near-record heat to Alabama, a looming cold front promises a dramatic shift in weather conditions, signaling the arrival of much-needed relief.Today in Birmingham

A powerful high-pressure system will bring near-record heat to Alabama on Friday, with temperatures potentially reaching 90°F, the second-earliest on record. However, a cold front is expected to move through the region over the weekend, ushering in cooler temperatures, scattered showers, and storms.

Why it matters

The extreme heat and humidity pose risks for vulnerable populations, while the incoming cold front and rainfall provide relief from the warm, dry conditions that have persisted in the region. The weather changes could also impact outdoor events and activities planned for the weekend.

The details

On Thursday, a weak upper-level wave will move across the Tennessee Valley, encountering dry air across Alabama. This will result in a few showers in northern Alabama, while the rest of the state experiences very warm and dry conditions, with highs in the mid to upper 80s. The high-pressure ridge will strengthen on Friday, leading to plenty of sunshine and record-challenging heat, with temperatures potentially reaching 90°F, the second-earliest on record for the region.

  • On Thursday, a weak upper-level wave will move across the Tennessee Valley.
  • On Friday, the high-pressure ridge will strengthen, leading to record-challenging heat.
  • On Saturday, scattered showers and storms are forecast with the arrival of a cold front.
  • On Sunday, the cold front will bring much cooler temperatures, with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s.

The players

East Coast ridge

A high-pressure system that will bring near-record heat to Alabama before a cold front arrives.

Cold front

A weather system that will move through the region over the weekend, bringing cooler temperatures, scattered showers, and storms.

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What’s next

The cold front could affect the Morgan Wallen Concert in Tuscaloosa on Saturday evening, with attendees advised to bring rain gear.

The takeaway

The extreme heat and humidity will pose challenges for the region, but the incoming cold front and rainfall will provide much-needed relief and cooler temperatures, potentially impacting outdoor events and activities over the weekend.