It is freezing. Literally. If you stepped outside in Tuscaloosa this morning, you likely felt that sharp, west-wind bite that makes you regret not finding your heavy coat back in November.
Honestly, Alabama weather is usually a chaotic mess of humidity and "maybe-it'll-rain-maybe-it-won't," but today is remarkably straightforward. We’re looking at a high of 44°F and a bone-chilling low of 25°F.
No rain. No surprises. Just clear, sunny skies and a lot of shivering.
Breaking Down the Weather for Tuscaloosa Today
Right now, the mercury is sitting at 40°F, but it feels like 35°F thanks to an 8 mph wind coming off the west. That "feels like" temperature is the one that actually matters if you’re walking across the UA campus or heading down to the Black Warrior River for a walk.
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The air is incredibly dry, with humidity sitting at a measly 28%. That’s why the sky looks so impossibly blue today.
The Core Numbers for Sunday, January 18, 2026
If you’re planning your day, here’s the actual data from the local reports:
- Condition: Sunny (switching to clear tonight).
- High Temperature: 44°F.
- Low Temperature: 25°F.
- Wind: Steady from the West at about 9 mph.
- Precipitation: 0%. Absolutely zero chance of snow or rain.
- UV Index: 3 (Low, but the sun is still bright enough to catch a glare).
It’s kinda weird seeing "0% chance of snow" listed alongside "25°F," but that’s the reality of a dry cold front. We’ve got all the chill of a winter storm without any of the fun white stuff to show for it.
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What to Watch Out For Tonight
Once the sun goes down around 5:09 PM, things are going to get real quiet and real cold.
With the wind dying down and the sky staying clear, we’re looking at a classic "radiational cooling" setup. Basically, all the warmth the ground managed to soak up during the day just escapes into space. That’s how we end up at 25°F by the time Monday morning rolls around.
If you have sensitive plants or pipes that tend to get cranky when the temperature drops below freezing, tonight is the night to be proactive.
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Staying Ahead of the Cold
Since it’s a dry cold, it doesn't "sink in" quite as fast as a damp, rainy chill, but you've still got to dress in layers. A light windbreaker isn't going to cut it against a 9 mph west wind when the air is only in the low 40s.
Keep an eye on the low for tomorrow morning too. We’re heading into MLK Day with a very chilly start.
Next Steps for Tuscaloosa Residents:
- Drip the Faucets: Since the low is hitting 25°F, it’s a good idea to keep a slow drip going in any exterior-facing plumbing.
- Bring the Pets In: It’s way too cold for most outdoor animals to spend the night outside comfortably.
- Check the Tires: Cold snaps like this often trigger those pesky "low tire pressure" sensors as the air inside the tires contracts.