CENTRE– Weekend frost and freezing temperatures are expected across northeast Alabama, making this a good time to protect plants, pets, and exposed plumbing.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham expects colder air behind a cold front Thursday night. By Friday night, temperatures should fall into the upper 20s in parts of the region, with widespread frost through the weekend.

Cold Could Arrive Before the Weekend

In Centre, the Thursday morning forecast calls for a low around 32 Thursday night, with widespread frost mainly after 5 a.m. Friday.

Friday’s high should reach about 55 before temperatures drop to around 29 overnight. Meanwhile, Saturday night’s low should reach about 28, followed by another freezing night Sunday.

Forecasters also expect morning frost Saturday and Sunday, although afternoon temperatures should recover into the upper 50s.

Prepare People, Pets, Plants, and Pipes

The weather service’s cold-weather guidance recommends protecting people, pets, pipes, and plants before temperatures fall.

Check on older relatives, neighbors, and anyone who may lack dependable heat. Also, keep pets warm and dry, bring them indoors when possible, and make sure their drinking water stays unfrozen.

For plants, check their cold tolerance and cover sensitive varieties before the cold settles in. In addition, disconnect outdoor hoses and insulate exposed water lines where possible.

Use Supplemental Heat Safely

If you use a space heater, keep it at least three feet from bedding, curtains, and furniture. The Environmental Protection Agency also recommends plugging heaters directly into wall outlets and turning them off before bed or when leaving the room.

Never use an oven or grill to heat a home. Also, check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as households begin using more heat.

Forecast Conditions and Official Alerts

The Birmingham weather service office listed no watches, warnings, or advisories in its 5:20 a.m. Thursday discussion. However, its forecast still calls for widespread frost and freezing conditions.

Residents should continue checking updated forecasts because temperatures and alert status can change as the cold air arrives.

WEATHER