If you've lived in West Alabama for more than a week, you know the drill. One morning you’re scraping frost off your windshield, and by lunch, you’re wondering if it’s socially acceptable to wear shorts to a meeting. Honestly, it’s exhausting. For anyone trying to plan their life around the 10-day weather forecast for Tuscaloosa Alabama, the next week and a half is going to be a classic example of why local meteorologists have gray hair.
Right now, we are staring down a significant temperature swing. Today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, we’ve got some light rain moving through with a high near 53°F. It’s that damp, "bone-chilling" kind of Southern cold that feels way worse than the actual number on the thermometer. But hold onto your hats, because tonight the bottom drops out. We’re looking at a low of 28°F, and there’s even a 20% chance of some light snow flurries mixed in after midnight as the moisture leaves. Don’t get your hopes up for a snow day, though; the ground is way too warm for anything to stick.
What the 10-day weather forecast for Tuscaloosa Alabama actually looks like
Breaking this down into chunks makes it a bit easier to digest. We basically have three distinct mini-seasons happening over the next ten days.
The Deep Freeze (Thursday - Sunday)
Thursday is going to be a wake-up call. The high will only struggle to reach 44°F, and with northwest winds gusting up to 20 mph, that "RealFeel" is going to stay in the 30s all day. Friday starts off even colder at 24°F, though we’ll see a nice rebound to 57°F under bright sunny skies.
The weekend stays crisp. Saturday and Sunday will both be sunny with highs in the mid-to-high 40s. Nighttime lows will consistently hover in the mid-20s. If you have outdoor pets or sensitive plants, this is the window where you really need to be careful. The National Weather Service in Birmingham is already signaling that these clear, cold nights are the perfect recipe for hard freezes across Tuscaloosa County.
The MLK Day Rebound (Monday - Wednesday)
By Monday, January 19—Martin Luther King Jr. Day—the pattern shifts slightly. We’re looking at mostly sunny skies with a high of 48°F. It’s not "warm" by any stretch, but the wind dies down, making it much more pleasant for any outdoor service events or parades.
Tuesday stays cool and sunny with a high of 42°F, but then things get weird on Wednesday, January 21. Cloud cover moves back in, and we’ll see temperatures start to climb as the wind shifts to the south. We’re looking at a high of 51°F and a low that stays a bit more bearable at 30°F.
The Late-Week Warm-Up and Rain (Thursday - Saturday)
This is where the rollercoaster heads back uphill. Thursday, January 22, sees a high of 59°F. By Friday, January 23, we could be hitting 62°F.
Of course, in Alabama, warmth in January usually brings rain. We’re tracking a 45% chance of rain Friday night into Saturday. It’s that typical Gulf moisture surge that makes everything feel humid and "heavy" right before the next front eventually arrives.
Why Tuscaloosa weather is so hard to predict
You might notice that different apps tell you different things. One says 50% rain, another says 10%. Why?
Basically, Tuscaloosa sits in a transition zone. We’re far enough north to get the tail end of Arctic blasts, but close enough to the Gulf of Mexico to get blasted by tropical moisture. James Spann, the legendary Alabama meteorologist, often talks about the "fine line" for winter weather in this state. A shift of just 50 miles in a storm track can be the difference between a rainy Tuesday and a historic ice storm.
For the current 10-day weather forecast for Tuscaloosa Alabama, the biggest variable is the timing of the moisture exit tonight. If the cold air catches the rain before it leaves, you’ll see those flurries. If the air stays dry, it’s just a cold, windy night.
Actionable steps for the next 10 days
Since we know the cold is coming and the rain is lurking at the end of the forecast, here’s how to actually prepare:
- Drip those faucets: On Thursday and Friday nights, when we hit 24°F and 27°F, make sure your pipes are protected. This is especially true for older homes in neighborhoods like Northport or near the University.
- Check your tires: Rapid temperature drops from 50°F to 20°F cause tire pressure to plummet. Don't be surprised if your "Low PSI" light pops on Thursday morning.
- Plan your weekend errands for Friday afternoon: It’ll be the warmest day of the first half of the forecast (57°F) and sunny. It's much better than battling the wind on Saturday.
- Layer up for MLK Day: If you’re heading out for the parade downtown, remember that while 50°F sounds okay, standing still in the shade will feel significantly colder.
Stay weather-aware, especially tonight as that front moves through. While no major travel disruptions are expected, those 25 mph wind gusts tonight could toss around some light patio furniture. Secure the trash cans and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts!