Temperatures are expected to drop to dangerously cold temperatures tonight, but by the middle of the week will warm up again.

Today the high will only reach 43, but it’s expected to feel much cooler with wind chills between 15 and 25, and a north wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Tonight, the low will dip to 20.

A hard freeze watch is in effect tonight for the area.

“A cold dome of very cold air will settle over the area Tuesday night and bring the coldest temperatures of the season to the area,” according to a statement from the National Weather Service. “Temperatures are expected to drop to around 20 across interior Southwest and South Central Alabama and the interior Northwest Florida Panhandle late Tuesday night, which will result in a hard freeze.”

The hard freeze watch will continue until Wednesday morning.

The National Weather Service said the impact of temperatures near 20 degrees or colder could cause ruptured water pipes and kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.

“A hard freeze watch means widespread temperatures at or below 20 degrees. Ensure that heating systems are functioning properly and pets have adequate shelter,” the release said. “To prevent freezing and bursting of outdoor water pipes, they should be wrapper, drained or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have inground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above ground pipes to protect them from freezing.”

Wednesday will warm up to around 55 degrees and Wednesday night, temps will linger around 37.

Temperatures will begin to warm up on Thursday with the high near 61, and the low around 39.

Friday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 67.

Rain is expected to move in by Friday night with a 20 percent chance of showers and a low of 51.

The forecast for Saturday and Sunday also calls for a 20 percent chance of showers.