Stream temperatures in Alabama

Periodic temperature observations have been made at most stream-discharge gaging stations and water-quality sampling stations since 1962. Continuous or daily-temperature records have been collected at 24 stations for at least 2 years since 1959.

This report summarizes and interprets most of the periodic water temperature data which have been collected over the years as well as daily (continuous records) for selected stations. Many of the periodic data are unpublished. Periodic water-temperature measurements are shown for 168 stations on a State map. Data from these stations were analyzed using a harmonic function to determine annual (seasonal) variability.

Three generalized zones of water temperature are delineated on the map. From north to south, the average estimated mean annual temperature for each zone is 15.5, 16.7, and 17.9° C.