Flash Flood Watch In Effect For Jefferson County

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Jefferson County residents have seen five straight days of rain this week, and the National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a flash flood watch for most of central Alabama Thursday, including Jefferson and Shelby counties.

An additional 1 to 3 inches of rainfall is forecast, which will lead to rises along area rivers and streams and could cause some flash flooding, the NWS said.

However, an end to the rain — at least briefly — is in sight. Meteorologist James Spann said sunny weather will begin Friday and last through the weekend, giving a soaked Birmingham metro a chance to dry out.

While the sun will shine through the weekend, look for colder temperatures to come with that sunshine. "Look for sunshine back in full force on Friday; after a low in the upper 30s, the high will be close to 60," Spann said. "Sunny weather continues Saturday and Sunday; the high will be in the 57- to 60-degree range Saturday, followed by mid 60s Sunday. Saturday morning will be cold, with sub-freezing lows over much of north and central Alabama."

Spann said light rain and warmer temperatures are expected next week.

Birmingham's rain totals for 2020 have reached 20.55 inches, which is 14.49 inches above average.