Honestly, if you've ever spent a week in St. Clair County, you know that weather for Pell City is less of a forecast and more of a suggestion. It’s that weird Southern mix where you might need a heavy coat at 7:00 AM and find yourself cranked up the A/C by lunchtime. People think Alabama is just "hot," but that’s a massive oversimplification that'll get you soaked or shivering if you aren't careful.
Right now, as of January 16, 2026, it’s a crisp 51°F outside. Sunny, too. But don't let that fool you into thinking the day stays dry. While the sun is out with a low UV index of 1, things are shifting fast. By tonight, there’s a 75% chance of rain. It’s basically the Pell City classic: beautiful day, wet commute home.
The Logan Martin Factor: Why Weather for Pell City is Different
Most folks don't realize how much Logan Martin Lake messes with the local microclimate. It’s not just a spot for bass fishing. Large bodies of water hold heat differently than the surrounding red clay hills. This often leads to dense fog advisories, especially in late autumn and early spring.
If you're driving down I-20 early in the morning, you've likely hit that wall of white where visibility drops to basically zero. That's the lake talking. It adds a layer of humidity that makes the 52°F January highs feel a lot "sharper" than the numbers suggest. Today, for instance, even though it’s 51°F, the wind coming from the south at 13 mph makes it feel more like 45°F.
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What to expect this week
If you're planning your weekend, keep an eye on the thermometer. Saturday, January 17, stays relatively stable with a high of 49°F and sunny skies. But Sunday is where the "winter" actually shows up. The high drops to a biting 38°F.
We’re looking at a stretch of cold nights.
- Monday, Jan 19: Low of 21°F
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Low of 20°F
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Low of 27°F
That Tuesday low is no joke. It’s the kind of cold that busts pipes if you haven't wrapped your outdoor spigots.
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Myths About Alabama Winters
There's this idea that it never snows here. Not true. While we aren't exactly Buffalo, New York, "Snowmageddon" events are real parts of our history. On January 28, 2014, the region was paralyzed by just a couple of inches of snow because the ground was so cold it turned instantly to ice.
Even in this current 10-day window, the forecast is teasing us. Saturday night has a 10% chance of snow, and Sunday morning shows a 5% chance. Usually, in Pell City, that just means a few "flurries" that disappear before they hit the pavement, but it keeps everyone on their toes.
Humidity is the real villain
The relative humidity today is sitting at 33%, which is actually quite dry for us. Usually, January averages around 87% humidity. When you combine high humidity with 35°F temperatures, the air feels heavy and damp. It’s a "bone-chilling" cold that a light sweater won't fix. You need layers.
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Severe Weather: The EF-1 Reality
We can't talk about weather for Pell City without mentioning the wind. This area is prone to "straight-line winds" and the occasional tornado. Back in February 2008, an EF-1 tornado ripped through the southern part of the county with 105 mph winds. It didn't take much—just a 2.8-mile path—to cause massive roof damage in subdivisions like Hunting Ridge.
That’s why locals don't ignore the sirens. The geography of the Coosa River valley can sometimes funnel storms in ways that catch people off guard.
Managing the Upcoming Freeze
Since we are staring down a 20°F night this coming Tuesday, you've gotta be proactive.
- Drip the Faucets: It sounds like an old wives' tale, but a slow drip keeps water moving and prevents freezing in the lines.
- Lake Levels: If you have a dock on Logan Martin, remember that heavy rain—like the 75% chance we have tonight—can raise pool levels quickly. The "action stage" for the dam is 465.5 feet. Currently, we’re well below that at about 461.7 feet, but a series of storms can change that in 48 hours.
- The "Layer" Rule: For the next few days, don't leave the house without a windbreaker over a fleece. The 13 mph southern winds today are just the start; we’ll see shifts to northern winds by next week that bring much drier, colder air.
Basically, Pell City weather is a game of prep. Check the lake levels, watch the overnight lows, and always keep a rain jacket in the trunk. It’s sunny now, sure, but in Alabama, "now" never lasts very long.
Actionable Next Steps: Check your outdoor pipes today before the temperature drops below freezing this Sunday. If you're heading out on the water, be aware that while today is sunny, the wind gusts and incoming rain tonight will make for choppy conditions by dusk.