December Almanac
As the year draws to a close, December arrives in Birmingham, marking a significant transition into winter. While the official start of winter is noted on December 21st, meteorologically, December 1st heralds the onset of Meteorological Winter, ushering in a period of colder temperatures, occasional snowfalls, and a mix of weather patterns that define the final month of the year.
Temperature-wise, December ranks as the second-coldest month in Birmingham, with daytime highs averaging from 60ºF at the start of the month to 55ºF by month’s end. Meanwhile, nighttime lows dip from an average of 40ºF to 36ºF, creating a noticeable chill in the air. Historical records showcase extremes, from a bone-chilling low of 1ºF recorded on December 23rd, 1989, to surprisingly warm days like December 7th, 1951, when the city basked in an 80ºF high.
December also holds significance in Birmingham’s precipitation patterns, ranking as the seventh-wettest month of the year with an average of approximately 4.87 inches of rainfall. The wettest December on record occurred in 1961, with a notable 13.98 inches of rain inundating the Magic City. Rain generally graces the city on ten days of the month, contributing to a cloudy sky about 54% of the time.
While Birmingham typically receives minimal snowfall, with an average of 0.2 inches in December, notable snow events have left lasting memories. One such event occurred on New Year’s Eve in 1963 when eight inches of snow blanketed Birmingham, creating a picturesque winter wonderland as the year came to a close.
December also falls within the main tornado season in Central Alabama, spanning from November through May. While tornado occurrences in December are relatively rare, notable outbreaks have occurred, such as the Christmas Day outbreak in 2012 when 17 tornadoes touched down, reminding us of the unpredictability and potential dangers of severe weather even during the holiday season.
As we navigate through December, let’s embrace the changing weather patterns, stay vigilant about potential severe weather events, and cherish the moments of tranquility and beauty that winter brings to Birmingham. It’s a time of transition, reflection, and anticipation as we prepare to welcome a new year filled with hope and new beginnings.
Records for Birmingham from prior to 1930 were taken in Fountain Heights, and from the Birmingham Airport from 1930 to the present day. Averages have been updated to the latest NOAA Climate Averages release for 1991-2020.
