Rain returns to Central Alabama just before Halloween

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A dry stretch of weather across Central Alabama is expected to end this weekend, bringing rain to the region just before Halloween. The National Weather Service in Birmingham indicates that scattered showers could begin as early as late Saturday afternoon and continue through the late morning hours of Sunday.

Residents who plan to attend the Magic City Classic Parade or go trick-or-treating should monitor the forecast closely. Forecasts suggest that rain may become more widespread on Saturday late evening and overnight. Model runs show some disagreement on the exact timing of the heaviest precipitation, leaving uncertainty about whether trick-or-treaters will encounter wet conditions.

The shift in weather patterns is driven by a weakening ridge of high pressure that has kept the area dry for several days. This change allows moisture to move back into Alabama ahead of the next weather system. Temperatures remain mild, with afternoon highs in the 70s expected through Friday. Mornings will stay cool, with lows in the 40s and low 50s.

The incoming rain offers a potential benefit for drought conditions in parts of southwest Alabama. After weeks of mostly dry weather, the expected rainfall could help replenish soil moisture in those areas. The weekend wet spell is part of a broader pattern change as the season progresses.

Following the weekend rain, early next week looks dry through Tuesday. Another upper-level system is expected to move in around midweek, bringing another round of rain and a colder air mass to the Southeast. Meteorologists will continue to monitor how this system develops with the latest data.

Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, meaning residents will turn their clocks back an hour. This is also a recommended time to check the batteries in NOAA Weather Radios, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors. The weather team advises checking the latest forecasts for updates on the Halloween weekend outlook.