How much rain could Alabama get this week? Chances on the rise

Alabama is looking at an increase in rain chances throughout the week, according to the latest updates from the National Weather Service. While much of the state is slated to see at least some precipitation, it likely won't be enough to resolve the ongoing drought conditions.

Drought Concerns Persist

South Alabama continues to face the most severe drought challenges. Forecasts indicate this region will receive the lowest rainfall totals over the next few days. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor report from last Thursday, large portions of the state remain in Level 3 drought conditions, with the remaining areas either currently in a drought or on the verge of one.

Rainfall Outlook

The current weather service outlook projects up to 1.5 inches of rain for isolated spots in northern Alabama over the next six days. Most of the northern region can expect between a half-inch and an inch of accumulation through Saturday. Conversely, southern Alabama should prepare for lighter amounts, ranging from a few hundredths of an inch up to a half-inch.

Weather Pattern Shift

A cold front is expected to push into the region by midweek and stall, creating an environment ripe for scattered afternoon and evening showers and storms as various impulses move across the area. While the Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of Alabama in a Level 1 out of 5 risk for severe weather today and Tuesday, forecasters at the weather service consider the likelihood of significant severe weather to be low.

Looking Ahead

There is some hope for wetter conditions as we close out the month. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center suggests a more promising outlook for the final week of May. From May 24-30, the entire state of Alabama has a 40-50 percent probability of seeing above-average rainfall, offering a potential reprieve for the drought-stricken region.