90-degree heat returns with new record highs possible across Alabama

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Theater Lofts
Theater Lofts in Birmingham. (Nathan Watson / The Bama Buzz)

We’re already a few weeks into fall so I’m not going to blame you for already having your pumpkins out or getting into the spooky season mindset.

But here in Alabama, we always know a “faux fall” is part of the many seasons each year in our state. And it seems like we are wrapping that season up with more heat on the way.

This week is expected to feature highs in the 90s across Alabama with some areas forecasted to set new record highs for mid-October.

Who will see record heat in Alabama Oct. 13-15?

While this may not be the latest our state has seen 90-degree temperatures, its certainly unusual for consecutive days of this kind of heat two weeks into October.

Some of the state’s biggest metro areas will be approaching record highs all three days including Birmingham and Huntsville.

Here are some cities forecasting for record highs along with previous numbers from the National Weather Service:

  • Tuesday, Oct. 13
    • Birmingham: 90 (Current record: 89 in 1953)
    • Cullman: 88 (81 in 2013)
    • Florence: 91 (91 in 1963)
    • Huntsville: 89 (89 in 1954)
    • Tuscaloosa: 90 (90 in 1963)
  • Wednesday, Oct. 14
    • Anniston: 90 (88 in 1975)
    • Birmingham: 92 (89 in 1984)
    • Cullman: 90 (85 in 2017)
    • Dothan: 90 (90 in 1972)
    • Florence: 91 (90 in 1940)
    • Gadsden: 90 (89 in 2010)
    • Huntsville: 90 (89 in 1928)
    • Montgomery: 91 (91 in 1883)
    • Tuscaloosa: 92 (90 in 1962)
  • Thursday, Oct. 15
    • Anniston: 89 (87 in 1975)
    • Birmingham: 90 (90 in 1897)
    • Cullman: 89 (85 in 2016)
    • Gadsden: 90 (88 in 1975)
    • Huntsville: 90 (88 in 1947)
    • Tuscaloosa: 91 (91 in 1962)

According to NWS Huntsville, Cullman’s latest 90-degree day came on Sep. 28, 1998 so if the city reaches 90 this week, it would set a new record.

The latest 90-degree day ever in Alabama was recorded in Selma on Nov. 3, 1924.

Caleb Turrentine
Caleb Turrentine
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