Alabama Climate & Hazards Quiz

Alabama Climate & Hazards Quiz

Humidity, storms, tornado risk, floods (10 questions).

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Alabama Climate & Hazards Quiz: Quick Study Notes

Alabama features a humid subtropical climate defined by long, hot summers and mild winters. Its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico provides abundant moisture, driving significant rainfall and fueling severe weather events, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and tropical cyclones.

Climate Type Humid Subtropical (Cfa)
Rainiest City Mobile (>65 inches/year)
Tornado Zone Dixie Alley
Key Hazard Tropical Storms & Hurricanes

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama lies in “Dixie Alley,” a region with a high frequency of strong, long-track tornadoes.
  • There are two distinct tornado seasons: the primary peak in spring (March–May) and a secondary peak in late autumn (November–December).
  • Mobile is consistently one of the wettest cities in the US due to continuous Gulf moisture.
  • Summer heat indices often exceed 100°F (38°C) due to high humidity.
  • Northern Alabama experiences cooler winters and occasional snow due to higher elevation and latitude.
  • Tropical cyclones from the Gulf pose a major threat from June through November.

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes “Dixie Alley”?

Dixie Alley is a region in the southeastern US, including Alabama, known for high-risk, violent tornadoes that are often obscured by rain or varied terrain, distinguishing it from the plains of traditional Tornado Alley.

When is hurricane season in Alabama?

Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with a statistical peak for the Alabama coast occurring in August and September.

Does it snow in Alabama?

Yes, primarily in the northern Appalachian foothills and the Tennessee Valley, though significant accumulation is rare further south toward the coast.

Why is Alabama so humid?

Prevailing winds bring warm, moist air northward from the Gulf of Mexico year-round, resulting in high humidity levels, particularly during the summer months.

What is the wettest month in Alabama?

While rainfall is abundant year-round, March is typically the wettest month statewide due to active frontal systems, though coastal areas see heavy rainfall peaks in summer.

GeoQuizzy.com • Alabama Climate & Hazards Quiz

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