Huntsville, Alabama, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Huntsville, Alabama is currently experiencing significant drought conditions, with 91.04% of the state affected. Moderate drought has been noted in parts of northern Lauderdale County and surrounding areas. Huntsville has recorded only 68% of its average rainfall this October, raising concerns about lawns and gardens. While forecasts suggest a potential for wetter conditions moving into November, residents are cautioned to monitor outdoor activities as the dry season progresses.
Huntsville, Alabama Faces Drought Conditions
Huntsville, Alabama is currently grappling with significant drought conditions, as a majority of the state faces a troubling lack of rainfall this October. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor data indicates that 91.04% of Alabama is either experiencing drought or is on the verge of it, with 62.87% classified as being in moderate drought.
Chief Meteorologist Jordan Dressman has analyzed these conditions, reporting that moderate drought is present in northern Lauderdale County as well as parts of Colbert County and a small section of nearby Giles County in Tennessee. In broader terms, much of North Alabama and some areas of southern Middle Tennessee are classified as “abnormally dry”.
The “abnormally dry” classification represents the first stage on the drought classification scale, suggesting below-average rainfall with minimal immediate repercussions. However, the persistent lack of rainfall may lead to more significant issues if conditions do not improve soon.
Specific rainfall figures highlight the seriousness of the situation. Huntsville recorded only 68% of normal rainfall over the past 30 days, translating to approximately 3.4 inches compared to the average of five inches expected for that period. Meanwhile, Scottsboro has been noted as the driest spot in the region, having received just 38% of typical rainfall for the same timeframe.
Previously, August also saw below-average rainfall across North Alabama, with Huntsville receiving only 1.04 inches. This lack of precipitation has now compounded into the current October situation, where most areas have reported no rainfall thus far. Notably, cities including Birmingham, Fort Payne, and Anniston have recorded no rain at all in October—a significant dip below the usual averages.
In terms of drought classification, only 1.99% of Alabama is currently labeled as being in severe drought. However, forecasts suggest that, unless rain is seen soon, the situation may worsen as we head into the fall. The upcoming week is predicted to continue with a lack of substantial rainfall, raising concerns about the sustainability of lawns and gardens.
Despite the concerning conditions this October, yearly rainfall totals across major Alabama cities remain within normal ranges. Furthermore, the eight- to 14-day precipitation outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicates slightly wetter conditions may be on the horizon moving into November.
October, historically recognized as one of Alabama’s driest months, has shown similar patterns in previous years regarding lower rainfall. Residents are urged to closely monitor their lawns and gardens and to exercise caution with outdoor burning, especially during this dry season. If rainfall deficits continue past October, a more significant drought may develop by late fall, although November and December typically bring increased rainfall.
FAQ
What percentage of Alabama is currently facing drought conditions?
As of the latest report, 91.04% of Alabama is either in drought or nearing drought conditions, with 62.87% in moderate drought, which increased from 36.24% the previous week.
What rainfall amounts have been recorded recently in Huntsville?
Huntsville recorded only 68% of normal rainfall over the past 30 days, which equates to about 3.4 inches compared to the average of five inches for that period.
What is the outlook for rain in Alabama moving into November?
The eight- to 14-day precipitation outlook from NOAA suggests a potential for slightly wetter conditions going into November.
Drought Severity in Alabama
| Drought Classification | Percentage of Alabama |
|---|---|
| Moderate Drought | 62.87% |
| Severe Drought | 1.99% |
| Abnormally Dry | 29.25% |
| Total in Drought or Nearing | 91.04% |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bryson Grissom Named Player of the Week for Huntsville Panthers
Massive Haboob Dust Storm Hits Phoenix, Causing Chaos
Severe Drought Hits Tekirdag, Causing Water Shortages
Federal Judges Grant Reprieve for Kilmar Abrego Garcia
Investigation Underway Over Grand Canyon Lodge Fire
New Mexico Wildfires Rage Across 80,000 Acres
Southeast Faces Major Flooding Threat as Atmospheric River Hits
Massive Jones Road Wildfire Challenges New Jersey
Huntsville Honors Local Business Leaders Kim and Larry Lewis
Low-Interest Disaster Loans Available for Alabama’s Businesses
Additional Resources
- WHNT: Drought Conditions Worsen for the Tennessee Valley
- AL.com: Drought Conditions Worsening Across Alabama
- Yellowhammer News: No Drought Relief in Sight
- Wikipedia: Drought
- Google Search: Alabama Weather News
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
