Monthly Climate Reports

Precipitation Percent of Normal (Figure 2)

• August precipitation was below normal across much of central, western, and southern Alabama.
• Northern and northeastern Alabama experienced near- to above-normal precipitation, with the highest percentages of normal concentrated across the Guntersville/Sound Mountain area.
• The driest conditions occurred across portions of west-central and southwestern Alabama, where precipitation totals were locally less than half of normal.

Temperature Summary (Figure 3)

The statewide average temperature for August was 81.7°F (2.4°F above the long-term average). This anomalous warmth was once again driven primarily by the unusually warm overnight temperatures. Average daily low temperatures were 2.9°F above normal, making this the 7^th warmest August on record for statewide minimum temperatures. Unsurprisingly to Alabamians, August 2026 was the most humid August on record with an average dewpoint of 72.9°F. Despite the overwhelming humidity, expanding dry conditions allowed temperatures to surge, with 39 stations reaching or exceeding the century mark during the month.

Temperature Highlights

• Coldest sites: Bridgeport 5 NW & Liri – 59°F on August 23rd and 25th 
• Hottest site: Greensboro – 105°F on August 18th
• 12th Warmest August on record statewide

Drought Summary (Figure 4)

Most of Alabama began August with pockets of abnormal dryness (D0) along the northern and eastern borders and across parts of southern Alabama. As the month progressed, abnormal dryness expanded across much of central and southern Alabama, while moderate drought (D1) developed in southwestern Alabama. By the beginning of September, severe drought (D2) had developed across Washington, Mobile, and Baldwin counties, while D1 expanded across portions of southwestern and central Alabama.