Right now, if you step outside in Tuscaloosa, you’re hitting a wall of air that’s exactly 37°F. Honestly, it feels even colder. With a light 5 mph breeze coming out of the west, the "feels like" temperature is sitting at a crisp 34°F. It’s clear, it’s night, and the humidity is hovering around 45%. Basically, it’s typical January weather for West Alabama, but there’s a lot more moving under the surface of this forecast than just a clear sky.
People often assume January in the Deep South is just a milder version of fall. That’s a mistake. While we don't usually deal with the feet of snow they get up north, the weather report for Tuscaloosa Alabama shows a complex transition from these dry, clear nights into a much messier, wetter week ahead.
The Immediate Outlook: Clear Skies and Hard Freezes
For tonight, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the mercury is headed down to a low of 29°F. We’ve already seen a high of 42°F today, which is actually a bit below the climate normal for this time of year. If you’re checking the sensors at the Tuscaloosa Regional Airport (KTCL), you’ll see the dewpoint is quite low, which is why the air feels so "sharp" when you breathe it in.
Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, brings a slight reprieve. We’re looking at a high of 48°F with partly sunny skies. But don't let the sun fool you; the low is going to bottom out at 26°F. That’s a hard freeze. If you haven't wrapped your outdoor faucets or checked on your more sensitive plants, tonight and tomorrow night are the deadlines.
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Why This Week’s Shift is Worth Watching
Starting Tuesday, the pattern shifts. We stay dry during the day with a high of 44°F, but the clouds start rolling in by evening. By Wednesday, the atmosphere begins to prime itself for rain.
The real change happens Thursday, January 22. Humidity is expected to spike to 88%. When you combine that with a 70% chance of rain on Thursday night, it’s going to feel damp and heavy. We aren't just looking at a passing shower; this is a sustained system that’s going to stick around through Saturday.
Here is the breakdown of the high-low spread for the coming days:
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- Monday: 48°F / 26°F (Partly Sunny)
- Tuesday: 44°F / 26°F (Mostly Sunny to Cloudy)
- Wednesday: 50°F / 32°F (Cloudy with light evening rain)
- Thursday: 52°F / 42°F (Rain likely, especially at night)
- Friday: 52°F / 40°F (Continuing light rain)
- Saturday: 40°F / 33°F (Solid rain all day)
The Saturday Soak and the Sunday Cold
Saturday, January 24, looks like the messiest day of the bunch. We have a 75% chance of rain both day and night. The high only hits 40°F, and with the rain, it’s going to be miserable for any outdoor plans.
What’s interesting is the transition on Sunday, January 25. As the system moves out, we might see a mix. During the day, it’s light rain with a high of 37°F, but as the temperature drops to 25°F Sunday night, there is a 10% chance of that moisture turning into snow. In Alabama, a 10% chance of snow is enough to make everyone head to the store for bread and milk, but realistically, it’s more likely to be a few stray flakes rather than any accumulation.
Navigating the Tuscaloosa Winter
When you look at the historical data, January is usually the coldest month for our area. The average high is typically around 53°F, so this current stretch of 40-degree highs is definitely on the cooler side of the curve.
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It’s also worth noting the wind. Most of this week, the wind is coming from the Northwest or Northeast. That’s bringing in that drier, continental air that keeps the UV index low (around 1 to 3) and the air quality generally good, but it also means the cold has more "bite."
Actionable Steps for the Next 48 Hours:
- Drip the Faucets: With lows of 26°F on Monday and Tuesday, interior pipes on exterior walls are at risk. A slow drip can save a lot of money in plumbing repairs.
- Pet Safety: These temperatures are dangerous for outdoor pets. Bring them inside or ensure they have insulated, dry shelter.
- Plan for Thursday's Commute: The rain moves in significantly on Thursday. Expect visibility to drop and the usual hydroplaning risks on I-20/59.
- Energy Check: Keep curtains closed at night to trap heat and open them during the sunny day tomorrow to let the natural light help warm your home.
The weather report for Tuscaloosa Alabama confirms that winter has finally settled in. While we get a few sunny breaks early in the week, the upcoming rain-to-cold transition next weekend is the real story to track. Stay warm and keep an eye on those Saturday rain totals.