Monthly Climate Reports

Precipitation Percent of Normal (Figure 2)

• September precipitation was below normal across most of Alabama, with the most widespread deficits occurring across the northern half of the state.
• Parts of southeastern and southwestern Alabama experienced near- to above-normal precipitation.
• The driest conditions occurred across portions of northern Alabama, where precipitation totals were locally less than 25% of normal.

Temperature Summary (Figure 3)

The statewide average temperature for September was 79.1°F (4.4°F above the long-term average), making it the 6th warmest September on record. The lack of rain and cloud cover contributed to this warmth by allowing more solar heating during the day. These conditions allowed temperatures to surge, with 35 stations reaching or exceeding the century mark during the month.

Temperature Highlights

• Coldest site: Scottsboro 2 NE – 42°F on September 28th
• Hottest sites: Northport 2S & Vernon– 103°F on September 3rd and 6th 
• 6th Warmest September on record statewide

Drought Summary (Figure 4)

Drought expanded and intensified across Alabama throughout September, with the most severe conditions developing across west-central Alabama. By the end of the month, extreme drought (D3) was present across portions of Hale, Perry, Wilcox, and Dallas counties, where the largest precipitation deficits had accumulated. The worsening conditions were not entirely unexpected, as September marks the transition into Alabama’s drier fall season, with October typically being the driest month of the year. Much of Alabama’s fall rainfall is associated with tropical systems, but no tropical systems affected the state during September, leaving rainfall limited and allowing drought conditions to expand and worsen.