Air Quality
Alabama air quality has improved as coal plants converted to gas, though Birmingham still records elevated particulates.
Monitored days with good air quality
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County, all monitored Alabama counties.
Monitored days unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County (AQI above 100).
Wildfires
Alabama sees about 3,000 wildfires per year, mostly small and human-caused.
Drought
Roughly 5-10% of Alabama experiences drought conditions in a typical year.
Area in drought (D1–D4), yearly average
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
Area in extreme or exceptional drought (D3–D4)
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
Water Usage
Alabama is water-rich; most withdrawals cool thermoelectric plants along its extensive river system.
Emissions
Alabama emits about 125 million metric tons of CO2 annually, largely from industry and power generation.
Energy-related CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, all sectors and fuels (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTTTOALA).
Transportation CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, transportation sector (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTCTOALA).
| Indicator | Alabama | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 emissions per capita (t) | 7.4 | 14.7 |
Climate Indicators
Hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, extreme heat and frequent tornadoes are Alabama’s main climate risks.
Average annual temperature
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December average.
Annual precipitation
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December total.
- •Alabama lies in Dixie Alley, one of the most tornado-prone regions in the world.