While the month of December was overall warm and slightly dry, the major weather event of the month was the record-breaking severe weather that occurred from December 27th to the 30th. A particularly strong system swept through Alabama, producing 29 tornadoes across much of the state, according to preliminary reports. In addition to a single tornado reported earlier in the month, the preliminary total reaches 30 tornadoes, breaking the previous record of 19 set in 2012. This also marks the highest number of tornadoes recorded in 2024.

This December was mild across Alabama, as if often expected during an active La Nina, recently announced by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. The state’s average temperature was 48.4°F, which is 2°F warmer than the long-term average of 46.4°F. However, December experienced large swings in temperature. Unseasonably cold conditions generally persisted through the first half of December, with 40 stations recording temperature below 20°F. During this cold spell, the Scottsboro 2 NE station recorded this month’s coldest lowest temperature of 13°F on December 6th. This was followed by a warm period lasting about a week, during which many stations reported highs in the mid to upper 70s. The highest daily extreme of 80°F was observed on December 17th at the Evergreen Middleton Field Airport, Mobile Regional Airport, Andalusia-Opp Airport, and the Open Pond station in Conecuh National Forest. After the warm spell, temperatures dropped again for a brief cold period before finishing the month with a moderately warm pattern.

December was generally dry across the state, except for two significant precipitation events: one from the 9th to the 11th and another on the 28th and 29th. Statewide, rainfall was slightly drier than normal, with a total of 4.68 inches—0.47 inches less than the long-term average of 5.15 inches. The driest location of the month with no missing data was the Sylacauga 4 NE station, which recorded only 2.28 inches of rainfall. In contrast, the Bay Minette 11 N stations recorded 12.37 inches, making it the wettest location of the month.

With the conclusion of 2024, let’s look back at how Alabama fared this year. Statewide, 2024 tied with 2019 as the 3rd warmest year on record, with an average temperature of 65.4°F, which is 2.3°F warmer than normal. In terms of precipitation, 2024 ranked as the 61st wettest year on record, with a total of 56.05 inches, which is 0.8 inches wetter than normal. The hottest maximum daily temperature of the year, 104°F, was recorded at two stations: Vernon on the June 25th and Selma on June 26th. Conversely, the coldest minimum daily temperature was -7°F, recorded at the Lexington station on January 17th. The wettest location in 2024 was the Fairhope 3.3 ENE station, which recorded 86.39 inches of rainfall. On the other end of spectrum, the Huntsville 4.5 WNW (the station of State Climatologist John Christy) station was the driest, with 48.32 inches of rainfall and no missing observations. From a severe weather perspective, 71 tornadoes were reported this year, well above the annual average of about 50. Notably, without the record-breaking December, Alabama would have finished the year below-average at 41.

Though the state ended the year slightly above normal in terms of rainfall, this obscures the fact that we had several significant drought events. While the state as a whole started the summer above normal thanks to an above-average May, several weeks of no rainfall at a critical time for agriculture resulted in pockets of extreme drought across North Alabama. Then, after a stalled front, the state saw widespread improvements, only to experience the driest August on record. September saw two tropical systems affect the state, which again resulted in improved conditions. Not to be outdone, October arrived, and we experienced the 3rd driest October on record, with many areas receiving no rainfall at all.

To say the state experienced climate whiplash would be an understatement. While conditions have improved, Alabama entered the new year with 1/3rd of its area still in some stage of drought. This back-and-forth pattern underscores the state’s rapid hydrologic cycle and highlights our vulnerability to drought, even in a region that typically receives 55–70 inches of rainfall annually. Annual averages alone don’t tell the full story. The reality is that extreme fluctuations in rainfall can have significant consequences, making it essential to move beyond averages and focus on variability. Recognizing these patterns allows us to better prepare for future extremes and build a more resilient Alabama.

As we enter 2025, Alabama has the potential for severe weather every month of the year, so it’s always a good idea to be weather aware and prepared. We look forward to letting you know about Alabama’s climate this year.

Monthly summaries are provided by Dr. Rob Junod, Lee Ellenburg and Dr. John Christy.