If you spent the last few days dodging puddles or glancing nervously at the sky, honestly, you aren't alone. After that mess of a weekend where the National Weather Service was tossing out tornado watches and flood warnings like confetti, things are finally calming down. Today, January 13, 2026, feels like a collective exhale for West Alabama.
The weather in tuscaloosa alabama today is basically a complete 180 from the soggy, gray chaos we just survived. We’re looking at a high of roughly 60°F. It’s that weird Southern winter vibe where you need a heavy coat at 7:00 AM but find yourself carrying it like a giant, useless fabric weight by lunchtime.
The Current Breakdown: Sun, Wind, and Layers
The sun is actually out. Like, really out.
Most of the morning started chilly—dropping down near 30°F—but the warming trend is real. The winds are shifting to the Southwest at about 5 to 10 mph. That might not sound like much, but it’s enough to pull in some slightly milder air compared to the biting North wind we had on Monday.
Humidity is sitting at a very comfortable 33%. For anyone who has lived through a Tuscaloosa August, you know that "33%" is a dream. It means your hair might actually behave, and the air doesn't feel like a warm, wet blanket. Visibility is clear for 10 miles. Basically, if you’ve got outdoor errands or just want to walk the Riverwalk, today is your day.
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Why Today is a Weather "Sweet Spot"
Kinda feels like we’re in the eye of a calm-front. This stretch of fair weather is a result of a high-pressure system settling in over Central Alabama after the front that drenched us on Saturday finally pushed off the coast.
But don't get too comfortable.
Looking ahead at the local data from the Birmingham NWS office, we’ve got another system creeping in. Tomorrow, Wednesday, starts off fine, but by the afternoon and evening, clouds will thicken up. There’s a 60% chance of showers coming back Wednesday night. So, if you were planning on washing your car or finally cleaning the mud off your porch from Saturday's 4-inch rain dump, do it today.
The Temperature Rollercoaster
It’s been a wild week for the thermometer. On Saturday, we were dealing with humid, severe-weather air. Then it plummeted. Now we’re bouncing back toward 60°F.
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- Today (Tuesday): High 60°F, Low 39°F.
- Wednesday: High 56°F, Low 30°F (Late rain).
- Thursday: High 42°F, Low 24°F.
That Thursday drop is the one that's going to hurt. We're talking a nearly 20-degree dive in daytime highs in just 48 hours. This is classic Alabama "sick weather"—where your body has no idea what season it is.
What Happened to the Severe Threats?
You might remember the alerts from a few days ago. On January 10th, the Tuscaloosa Thread and other local outlets were tracking a stalled frontal boundary. It was nasty. Some spots within 50 miles of I-20/59 saw 2 to 4 inches of rain.
There was a confirmed tornado over in Cleburne County, and for a minute there, Tuscaloosa was right in the crosshairs of a Tornado Watch. Thankfully, we were removed from the watch area early Saturday afternoon as the line of storms lost its punch.
Today, there is zero risk of severe weather. The "Marginal Risk" zones have moved far to our south and east. We are firmly in the "clear and seasonal" category for the next 24 hours.
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Preparing for the Next Shift
Since the weather in tuscaloosa alabama today is so pleasant, it’s easy to forget that another cold snap is lurking.
By Thursday, we’re back to a high of 42°F. That’s a significant chill, especially with the wind picking up from the Northwest at 12 mph. If you have outdoor pets or sensitive plants that you brought out to catch today's sun, make sure you have a plan to get them back under cover by Wednesday night.
Also, keep an eye on the Wednesday night rain. While it isn't expected to be the deluge we saw over the weekend, a 60% chance of rain paired with falling temperatures can make for some miserable driving conditions on 15th Street or McFarland during the evening rush.
Actionable Insights for Tuscaloosa Residents:
- Car Maintenance: Wash the road salt and grime off today while it's 60°F. By Thursday, it'll be too cold to want to be near a hose.
- Outdoor Exercise: Hit the UA campus trails or the Riverwalk before 4:00 PM. Sunset is at 5:02 PM, and the temperature will drop fast once the sun dips.
- Home Prep: Check your tire pressure. These 30-degree swings in temperature (from 60°F today to 24°F Thursday night) are notorious for triggering "low tire pressure" sensors.
- Stay Updated: Since the rain returns Wednesday night, keep your weather app notifications on. The transition from Wednesday’s 56°F to Thursday’s 42°F will happen while most of us are sleeping.
Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts. It’s a short window of "perfect" before the Alabama winter reminds us it still has teeth.