Huntsville weather is a bit of a wild card in January. One minute you're digging through the hall closet for that heavy parka, and the next, you're wondering if it's weird to wear flip-flops to the grocery store. Honestly, if you've lived in the Tennessee Valley long enough, you know the drill. This week is no different, but there’s a specific shift happening that's gonna catch a few people off guard.
The Huntsville 5 day forecast and what to actually expect
We're looking at a stretch that starts with a bit of a damp mess and ends with some seriously crisp, clear air. Today, Friday, January 16, 2026, it’s basically a tale of two halves. We've got a high of 52°F with some light rain hanging around during the day. It’s that annoying kind of mist that makes your hair go crazy and the roads just greasy enough to be a pain.
But wait for the sun to go down.
Tonight, things take a turn. While the day only has a 10% chance of snow, that jumps up to a 70% chance of snow tonight. Now, don't go out and buy all the bread and milk just yet—the low is hitting 31°F, and the conditions are expected to clear out pretty quickly.
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Saturday brings the "partly" vibes
Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, is the 11th annual MLK Day parade downtown. If you’re heading to the grandstand at Church Street and Holmes Avenue, dress in layers. It’s gonna be 44°F for the high and partly sunny. Honestly, that west wind at 13 mph is going to make it feel a lot nippier than the thermometer says.
By Sunday, the rain and snow chances basically vanish.
We’re moving into a very stable, very "bright" pattern. Sunday is looking like a high of 37°F and a low of 24°F. It’s sunny, sure, but it’s that deceptive winter sun that doesn't actually provide any warmth. You know the one.
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Why the "sunny" days feel colder in North Alabama
A lot of folks get confused when the clouds disappear and the temp actually drops. It’s all about the wind direction. For the next few days, we’re seeing air coming in from the west and northwest. This isn't that Gulf moisture we usually complain about; it’s dry, continental air.
- Monday, January 19: Expect a high of 39°F and a low of 18°F. It's MLK Day, and it's going to be gorgeous but freezing.
- Tuesday, January 20: The pattern holds with a high of 37°F and a low of 20°F.
- The Wind Factor: Winds will be around 5 to 10 mph, mostly from the northwest.
It’s worth noting that we are technically in a drier-than-normal winter. According to the latest NOAA outlooks for the 2025–2026 season, the Tennessee Valley is leaning "warm and dry." While 18°F on Monday night doesn't feel "warm," it’s actually a pretty short-lived snap compared to the deep freezes we’ve seen in years past.
Managing the dry air at home
Since the humidity is dropping down to about 29% by Tuesday, your skin is probably going to feel like parchment paper. This is the time to actually use that humidifier you bought three years ago. When the air gets this dry in Huntsville, static electricity becomes a genuine household hazard, and your heaters have to work twice as hard to make the house feel "cozy."
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Actionable steps for the week ahead
Don't let the sunny icons on your weather app fool you into thinking it's outdoor dining season.
First, check your outdoor faucets. Even though we aren't seeing a week-long "big freeze," those overnight lows of 18°F and 20°F on Monday and Tuesday are enough to cause issues if you've left a garden hose attached.
Second, if you're attending the "Beloved Community Dinner" at the Omega Center on Monday night, remember that the sun sets early and the temp will plummet the second it goes down.
Lastly, keep an eye on the wind chill. A 37°F day with a 10 mph wind feels significantly different than a still day. Stick to wind-resistant outer layers rather than just a heavy wool sweater. Clear skies are great for the soul, but in January, they're a signal to keep the thermostat up and the blankets handy.