The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a forecast indicating a significant drop in temperatures, with freezing conditions expected to impact the Orange Beach area beginning early Sunday morning with freezing weather in the forecast through Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.

The forecast, last updated on Saturday, January 18, at 7:00 AM CST, provides a detailed outlook for the coming days, highlighting the potential for wintry weather.

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

• Saturday: Showers are likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers. The high will be near 66°F with winds of 10 to 15 mph, gusting as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%
• Sunday: The day will be mostly sunny with a high of 51°F, but the night will see a significant drop to around 27°F. There will be blustery conditions, with north winds of 15 to 20 mph, and gusts as high as 25 mph.
• Martin Luther King Day (Monday): Temperatures are expected to remain cold, with a high near 40°F, and a low around 27°F at night. There is a slight chance of rain and snow after midnight. The north wind will continue at 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
• Tuesday: There is a chance of rain, freezing rain, and sleet before noon, followed by a chance of rain, snow, and freezing rain. The day will be mostly sunny with a high near 42°F, with north winds at 15 to 20 mph, and gusts as high as 30 mph. There is a 50% chance of precipitation.
• Tuesday Night: A chance of rain, snow, freezing rain, and sleet before midnight, then a chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. The chance of precipitation is 40%.

The forecast indicates that the most significant cold weather will begin Sunday night, with temperatures dropping to 27°F. This will be the first of several days of freezing and near-freezing conditions for Orange Beach.

Additional factors to note:

• Winds could be a significant factor with gusts as high as 25 mph on Sunday and Monday, and up to 30 mph on Tuesday, which will make the temperatures feel even colder.
• There is a chance of a wintry mix on Monday night and Tuesday, with possible freezing rain, sleet, and snow.
• The NWS also notes that there will be a rip current statement in effect.

Residents should prepare for these freezing temperatures, particularly Sunday night through Tuesday Night/Wednesday Morning, and stay updated on the latest forecasts.

Stay informed at the National Weather Service by clicking HERE.