The Alabama Office of the State Climatologist provides monthly climate reports that analyze statewide temperature, precipitation, and drought trends. Each report also highlights how that's month’s climate compared to long-term historical normals. A summary of every monthly report is featured on this page, with options to view the full report in PDF format or explore the complete climate report archive.

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Alabama Climate Report: March, 2026

Brought to you by the Alabama Office of the State Climatologist

Figure 1. Precipitation totals and trends across Alabama for March 2026.

Despite a few mid-month storms, March ended drier than normal for much of Alabama. Data provided by PRISM Climate Data, station data, and National Centers for Environmental Information.

Precipitation Summary (Figure 1)

March was significantly drier than normal across Alabama. The statewide average precipitation total was 3.29 inches, which is approximately 2.87 inches below normal. The driest conditions were centered across Southern Alabama.

Precipitation Highlights

  • Driest site: Headland – 1.27 inches of rainfall
  • Wettest site: Wilmer 7.9 SE – 10.06 inches of rainfall
  • Highest Daily Rainfall Total: Wilmer 7.9 SE – 8.53 inches on March 8th
  • Driest March on record: 1918 — 0.85 inches of rainfall
  • Wettest March on record: 1929 — 14.81 inches of rainfall
Figure 2. Precipitation Percent of Normal for March 2026.

Most of Alabama saw below-normal rainfall in March, with the largest deficits in the South and Southeast (indicated by orange and red).

Precipitation Percent of Normal (Figure 2)

  • Most of the state saw below normal rainfall (indicated by yellow - red)
  • Many areas across the state received only 50–75% of normal precipitation, with lower totals in the South
  • Southern and Southeastern Alabama experienced the largest precipitation deficits, contributing to worsening drought conditions
    Figure 3. Temperature totals and trends across Alabama for March 2026.

    March brought well above-normal temperatures statewide, continuing a warm trend heading into spring. Data provided by PRISM Climate Data, station data, and National Centers for Environmental Protection.

     Temperature Summary (Figure 3)

    March was much warmer than normal across Alabama. The statewide average temperature was 62.4°F, which is 7.3°F above normal. This placed March 2026 as the 6th warmest March since 1895 and continued a trend of above-normal temperatures seen in recent months.

    Temperature Highlights

    • Hottest sites: Open Pond, Montgomery 6SW, Muscle Shoals Airport, Decatur Pryor Field, Fayette, & Decatur 4SE– 88°F on March 10th, 11th, 22nd, 22nd, 23rd, & 23rd respectively
    • Coldest sites:  Haleyville – 21°F on March 17th
    • Coldest March on record: 1960 — 45.3°F
    • Warmest March on record: 2012 — 64.6°F
    Figure 4. March 2026 drought conditions

    Most of Alabama saw below-normal rainfall in March, with the largest deficits in the South and Southeast.

    Drought Summary (Figure 4)

    Drought remained a major concern across Alabama throughout March. At the beginning of the month, 100% of the state was either abnormally dry or in some level of drought, with about two-thirds in moderate to extreme drought and the worst conditions in Southeast counties near Conecuh and Macon Counties. Mid-month rainfall brought brief improvement across parts of Central Alabama, but conditions deteriorated again by the end of the month as dry weather returned. By early April, 77% of the state remained in moderate to extreme drought, including 18% in extreme drought, with the most significant expansion occurring in Southeast Alabama.

    Severe Weather Update

    As noted in last month’s report, March signals the beginning of Alabama’s peak severe weather season. This year was no exception, with 18 confirmed tornadoes reported across the state during the month. Most of these occurred during the overnight hours of March 11th-12th in southern Alabama. This brings the 2026 total to 24 tornadoes so far—well above the average of 12.9 for this point in the year. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported from any tornadoes this year. With the severe weather season in full swing, it is crucial to have a severe weather plan and to be prepared.

    For more information on tornadoes in Alabama, check out our blog.

    For more information, read the full report.

    If you have any questions, please contact aosc@uah.edu.