If you stepped outside in Birmingham or Huntsville this morning, your face probably told you everything you needed to know. It’s cold. Honestly, it’s that "biting" kind of cold that Alabamians usually only deal with a few times a year.
The weather in alabama now is a stark reminder that January doesn't play around. As of Thursday morning, January 15, 2026, a massive slab of Arctic air has firmly wedged itself across the Deep South. Temperatures are hovering in the low 30s for much of the state, with actual readings like 33°F in central areas feeling more like 25°F once you factor in that pesky northwest wind.
It's clear. It's sunny. But don't let the blue skies fool you—we are in the middle of a significant temperature swing that is going to get a lot more complicated as the weekend approaches.
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What’s Happening With Alabama Weather Right Now?
Right now, the state is under the influence of a high-pressure system that brought in dry, frigid air behind yesterday’s front. You've probably noticed the humidity has tanked. It's sitting around 41% to 59%, which makes the air feel even sharper.
Jim Stefkovich, a meteorologist with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, has been tracking this specific pattern. The big story isn't just today's cold; it's the setup for a potential mess involving rain and snow later this week. While today remains sunny with a high of only 45°F, the "feels like" temperatures are staying well below freezing for the morning hours.
Current Readings Across the State
- North Alabama (Huntsville/Decatur): Waking up to 29°F with wind chills in the low 20s.
- Central Alabama (Birmingham/Tuscaloosa): Hovering around 33°F with clear skies.
- South Alabama (Mobile/Montgomery): Slightly warmer but still chilly in the low 40s.
The National Weather Service in Birmingham has noted that while we have a "break" today, the atmosphere is essentially reloading.
That Weekend Snow Forecast: Real Threat or Social Media Hype?
We’ve all seen the crazy maps on Facebook. One model shows six inches of snow; another shows nothing but a cold drizzle. So, what's the actual deal with the weather in alabama now regarding that weekend "S-word"?
Basically, there are two systems we’re watching. The first one arrives Friday evening. That’s mostly going to be rain showers as temperatures briefly climb into the 50s. The real drama starts Saturday night into Sunday morning.
A second "reinforcing shot" of cold air is moving in. This system is looking to hook up with moisture from the Gulf. If a Gulf Low develops strongly enough, we are looking at the classic Alabama setup for accumulating snow.
Here is the nuance most people miss: Ground temperature.
Even if it snows, Saturday’s highs will be in the 50s and 60s in the south. This means if the precipitation is light, the snow will just melt the second it hits the pavement. However, if that Gulf Low gets aggressive, it can "pump" enough moisture in to overcome the warm ground.
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The Drought Factor You Aren’t Hearing About
While everyone is obsessing over snow flurries, there’s a quieter, more dangerous weather story unfolding. Alabama is currently parched.
According to recent reports from the U.S. Drought Monitor, counties like Marengo, Greene, and Hale are dealing with "extreme" drought conditions. The Gulf Coast is even worse, listed as "exceptionally dry."
Toni-Christian Ford from Alabama Public Radio recently highlighted how this is hammering local farmers. David Lawrence, a regional extension agent, says you can see it in the foliage. Pods on peas aren't filling up because there simply isn't enough water or nutrients being pulled from the soil.
So, while we might complain about a messy, rainy weekend, the truth is the state desperately needs that moisture—even if it comes as a slushy mix.
How to Prepare for the Next 48 Hours
Don't wait until Saturday night to realize your pipes aren't protected. The weather in alabama now is heading toward a hard freeze tonight, with lows dropping to 26°F.
- The Pipe Prep: If you’re in North or Central Alabama, wrap those exterior faucets. If you’re in an older home with a crawl space, a slow drip on the furthest faucet from the main line is a cheap insurance policy.
- The "Four P's": People, Pets, Plants, and Pipes. Bring the outdoor dogs inside. Those tropical porch plants you forgot about? They won't survive tonight.
- Driving Logic: If the rain turns to snow Saturday night, the biggest threat in Alabama is almost always black ice on bridges and overpasses. Our road crews are great, but they can't be everywhere at once.
Looking Ahead: The ENSO-Neutral Shift
We are currently transitioning out of a La Niña pattern into what meteorologists call "ENSO-neutral."
What does that mean for your Feburary? Usually, it means more volatility. La Niña winters in the South tend to be warmer and drier, but "neutral" years can bring more frequent shots of Arctic air like the one we're feeling today.
The National Weather Service 2025-2026 outlook suggests that while the winter as a whole might average out to be near normal, the individual events—like this mid-January snap—will be sharp and intense.
Stay weather-aware over the next 24 hours. Check the updated snowfall probability maps from the National Blend of Models (NBM) rather than relying on a single "outlier" model graphic you saw on a 2-day-old tweet.
Monitor local NWS feeds for Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile. If that Gulf Low tracks even 50 miles further north than expected, the "rain-to-snow" line moves with it.
Keep your gas tank at least half full if you're traveling Saturday night, and keep a heavy blanket in the trunk. It sounds dramatic until you're the one stuck on I-65 behind a jackknifed truck in 28-degree weather.