If you’ve lived in Alabama for more than five minutes, you know the drill. One day you’re wearing shorts to a backyard BBQ, and twelve hours later, you’re digging through the attic for that one heavy coat you bought for a trip to Chicago three years ago. This weekend—January 17 and 18, 2026—is basically that exact scenario playing out in real-time. Honestly, the weather in Alabama this weekend is less of a forecast and more of a temperature rollercoaster that’s going to leave a lot of people confused when they step outside Sunday morning.
The transition is happening fast. Saturday started with a lingering warmth that felt almost like a fake spring, but don't let that fool you. By the time we hit Saturday night, a cold front is sweeping through, and it’s bringing a sharp reality check for anyone who thought winter was over.
The Saturday Setup: Clouds and a Sneaky Chill
Saturday is largely a "transition day." Most of the state is seeing highs in the mid-50s—specifically around 54°F in central areas like Calera—but it's going to feel cooler because of a persistent 8 mph northwest wind. It’s cloudy. It’s gray. It’s that kind of damp cold that gets into your bones even if the thermometer says it’s not technically freezing yet.
There’s a small 10% chance of rain during the day. It’s not a washout by any means, but if you’re planning on heading to a park or doing yard work, keep an eye on the sky. The real story starts after the sun goes down.
As the temperature drops toward 32°F tonight, that 10% chance of rain turns into a 10% chance of snow. Now, before everyone rushes to the grocery store for bread and milk, let’s be real: we aren't looking at a "Snowmageddon" situation. Reliable sources like James Spann and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency have noted that while a few flurries are possible, especially in the northern half of the state and toward the Tennessee Valley, accumulation is highly unlikely. The ground is still a bit too warm from the recent mild stretch, so even if you see a white flake or two, it’s probably melting the second it hits the pavement.
Sunday: The Sky Clears but the Cold Bites
Sunday is when the weather in Alabama this weekend really earns its winter stripes. You’ll wake up to sunny skies, which is usually a good thing, but it’s going to be a "deceptive sun."
Even with the sun out, the high is only going to struggle to reach 44°F. When you add in a 11 mph wind coming out of the west, the wind chill is going to be the main topic of conversation at lunch. It’s crisp. It’s breezy. It’s the kind of day where you definitely need the layers.
Humidity is going to tank, dropping to around 39%. This is that dry, biting air that makes your skin itch. If you’re heading out to church or a Sunday afternoon game, the sun will look beautiful through a window, but it won’t provide much warmth once you’re actually out in it.
Regional Breakdown: North vs. South
Alabama is a big state, and the experience varies depending on where you're standing:
- North Alabama (Huntsville/Florence): You guys are seeing the coldest of it. Lows will dip into the mid-20s by early Monday morning.
- Central Alabama (Birmingham/Calera): Expect that 44°F high on Sunday with a low around 30°F.
- South Alabama (Mobile/Gulf Shores): It’s cooler for you too, with highs in the upper 40s to low 50s and a rare potential for a light freeze by Monday morning.
What People Often Miss About This Pattern
The biggest misconception people have about Alabama winters is that if it isn't snowing, it isn't "real" winter. That’s a mistake. The real danger this weekend isn't a blizzard; it’s the flash freeze potential on Sunday night into Monday morning.
✨ Don't miss: Is Ted Cruz Up for Reelection? What Texans Need to Know About the Next Senate Race
With lows hitting 30°F or even 27°F in some spots, any moisture left on the roads from Saturday’s light rain could turn into black ice. Bridges and overpasses are the usual suspects here. Because they lose heat faster than the ground, they can become skating rinks while the rest of the road looks perfectly fine.
Another thing: the wind. We often focus so much on the temperature that we ignore the wind speed. An 11 mph wind doesn't sound like much until you're standing in 40-degree weather. It strips the heat right off your body. Basically, if you’re going to be outside for more than ten minutes, a light windbreaker isn't going to cut it.
Preparation and Actionable Steps
Since the weather in Alabama this weekend is shifting from damp and cloudy to bright and freezing, there are a few things you should actually do rather than just reading about it.
- Check your pipes and plants: We aren't in a deep, multi-day hard freeze, but Sunday night will get low enough to hurt sensitive outdoor plants. Bring them in or cover them up tonight.
- Layer up for Sunday: If you’re heading out, go with a base layer, a fleece, and a wind-resistant outer shell. The wind is the real enemy on Sunday.
- Watch the bridges: If you have to be on the road late Sunday night or very early Monday morning, give yourself extra time. That "low" of 30°F is just an average; some low-lying spots will be even colder.
- Pet safety: If it’s too cold for you to stand outside in a t-shirt for 20 minutes, it’s too cold for your pets to be out all night. Make sure they have a warm place to tuck in.
The good news is that by Monday and Tuesday, we start a slow climb back up, but for the next 48 hours, Alabama is firmly back in winter's grip. Stay warm out there.
💡 You might also like: Trump Bows to Putin: What Really Happened in Helsinki
Next Steps for You:
Check your local tire pressure today. Significant drops in temperature like the one we're seeing this weekend often trigger "low pressure" sensors in your car. Getting ahead of it now will save you a headache when you're trying to get to work on Monday morning.