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. Download the Full Monthly Climate Report Browse the Monthly Climate Report Archive Alabama Climate Report: February, 2026 Brought to you by the Alabama Office of the State Climatologist Precipitation Summary Temperature Summary Drought Summary Winter 2025-2026 Summary Figure 1. Precipitation totals and trends across Alabama for February 2026.February was much drier than normal statewide, with 2.65 inches of rain on average. Data provided by PRISM Climate Data, station data, and National Centers for Environmental Information. Precipitation Summary (Figure 1) February was much drier than normal statewide. Preliminary statewide total precipitation was 2.65 inches, which is 2.53 inches below the long-term average. Most of Alabama experienced below-normal rainfall, although a few localized areas saw near-normal totals. Precipitation Highlights Driest site: Fort Morgan 2.5 E – 0.5 inches of rainfall Wettest site: Argo 1.5 NW – 5.79 inches of rainfall Driest February on record: 1968 — 1.87 inches of rainfall Wettest February on record: 1961 — 12.03 inches of rainfall Figure 2. Precipitation Percent of Normal for February 2026.February rainfall was below normal statewide, with the greatest deficits in the western half of the state (indicated by orange and red). Precipitation Percent of Normal (Figure 2) Much of Alabama received below-normal precipitation during February. West and South Alabama were the driest regions, with many areas receiving roughly 10–50% of normal rainfall. Some parts of East Alabama saw near-normal to slightly above-normal precipitation. Figure 3. Temperature totals and trends across Alabama for February 2026.February temperatures averaged 51.6°F, which is above normal statewide. Data provided by PRISM Climate Data, station data, and National Centers for Environmental Protection. Temperature Summary (Figure 3) Temperatures were warmer than normal across the entire state. The statewide average temperature was 51.6°F, which is 3.6°F above normal and ranks as the 30th warmest February on record. While brief periods of colder weather occurred early and late in the month, most of February was dominated by early spring warmth. Temperature Highlights Hottest sites: Atmore – 87°F on February 20th Coldest sites: Russellville No. 2 and Russellville 4 SSE – 10°F on February 1st Coldest February on record: 1895 — 37.4°F Warmest February on record: 2018 — 58.0°F Figure 4. February 2026 drought conditions Drought conditions intensified across much of Alabama during February, especially in central and southern regions. Drought Summary (Figure 4) Drought conditions worsened across Alabama during February. At the beginning of the month, nearly half of the state was in drought, with the most severe conditions in Southeast Alabama. As dry conditions persisted, drought expanded both in coverage and intensity. By the end of the month, nearly 100% of the state was experiencing some level of abnormal dryness or drought, with the worst conditions remaining in the Southeast and expanding into parts of Central and North Alabama. Winter 2025-2026 Summary Winter 2025–2026 was warmer and much drier than normal across Alabama. The statewide average temperature was 48.3°F, which is 1.7°F above normal and ranks as the 37th warmest winter on record. While the season included brief cold outbreaks, most of the winter was characterized by above-normal temperatures, especially during extended warm periods in December and February. Precipitation was significantly below normal statewide. Alabama received 10.67 inches of precipitation during the winter season, which is 4.85 inches below normal, making it the 11th driest winter on record. Dry conditions were consistent across most of the state, contributing to the expansion and persistence of drought conditions, particularly in southern and central Alabama. Snowfall was limited across the state, with only minor accumulations observed. The highest reported snowfall total was 1.5 inches, and many locations saw little to no winter precipitation in the form of snow or ice. For more information, read the full report. If you have any questions, please contact aosc@uah.edu.
