textproduct: Huntsville

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 1038 AM CST Fri Jan 23 2026

- Moderate impacts are expected for far northwest Alabama and minor impacts elsewhere from early Saturday morning through Sunday evening.

- An Ice Storm Warning has been issued for Lauderdale, Colbert and Franklin counties in NW AL from 12 AM Saturday - 6 PM Sunday, with a Winter Weather Advisory in effect elsewhere.

- Dangerously cold temperatures are expected Sunday into Tuesday, with morning wind chills of -5 and 5F.

NEAR TERM

(Rest of Today and Tonight) Issued at 1038 AM CST Fri Jan 23 2026

To begin, no changes to our current headlines will occur for this update for our forecast area.

Arctic high pressure (1047 mb) was dropping southeast through the Dakotas into Iowa. The cold front has moved south into north AL with dew points falling into the teens and 20s. Temperatures will recover into the middle to upper 40s this afternoon. Tonight, the very dry low to mid levels will take some time to moisten up before precipitation is able to reach the ground. Low PoPs will be maintained toward morning, but they will remain 20% or less along and east of I-65, with 30-40% in far northwest AL. A mixture of IP or SN should be the p-type at onset, with -FZRA further south of the TN River. However, there is hi-res model support that suggests precipitation may be delayed into later Saturday morning.

SHORT TERM

(Saturday through Sunday) Issued at 1038 AM CST Fri Jan 23 2026

A stripe of wintry mix will continue to spread east Saturday morning, with -FZRA mainly south of the TN River with SN and IP further north. The warm nose will change precipitation to RA during the day for much of north AL and parts of southern middle TN. Precipitation will stay FZRA in far northwest AL into northwest Lincoln and Moore Counties in TN, although this is subject to the position and movement of the warm nose. We will also have to monitor the wedge/CAD in our eastern counties as well, but the models are consistently eroding this at the moment. The warm nose will pivot further northwest with time Saturday night changing most areas even in northwest AL and southern TN to RA. Some of the rain will be heavy at times due to a low level jet of 60-75kt and ample moisture transport, especially on Sunday. A few thunderstorms cannot be ruled out at this point either. As the low pressure wave lifts northeast of our area on Sunday along the frontal boundary, the cold front returns during the afternoon into the evening hours from west to east. A transition to a mixture of FZRA, IP and SN will occur during this period, although the duration of significant accumulating precipitation during this time is in doubt as dry air will punch into the mid levels cutting off heavier precipitation somewhat. However, the dendritic layer will be in lower levels at that time noted on forecast soundings so won't rule out a quick burst of snow either.

LONG TERM

(Sunday Night through Thursday) Issued at 938 PM CST Thu Jan 22 2026

Any remaining winter precip comes to an end Sunday night and in its wake a bone chilling airmass advects in from the NW. Temperatures Sunday night dip down into the low teens. Combined with winds gusting 20-25 mph, wind chills overnight will drop between -5F - 5F. Cold Weather Advisories will likely be needed to cover this threat. The good news, is that the gusty winds should help dry area roadways, especially areas along and east of I-65. Not much improvement in temperatures on Monday as strong CAA hold afternoon highs in the mid 20s with wind chills in the teens. Winds diminish by Monday night and under clear skies, overnight lows drop down into the single digits. Temperatures will finally climb back above freezing on Tuesday, albeit only in the mid to upper 30s. The cold and dry weather continues through the end of the long term period with another reinforcing Arctic front arriving Thursday.

AVIATION

(18Z TAFS) Issued at 1050 AM CST Fri Jan 23 2026

VFR flight weather conditions are forecast through the period. However, low chances of mixed wintry precipitation are introduced after 12Z. Initial onset of precipitation is expected to be -SNPL, and it will be very light. However, -FZRA cannot be ruled out at onset, with an increase in -FZRA expected with time later Saturday morning, mainly south of KHSV and KMSL. Updates are likely to occur with this forecast, so please keep checking upcoming issuances.

CLIMATE

Issued at 542 PM CST Thu Jan 22 2026

High Risk for Much Below Normal Temperatures:

The Climate Prediction Center has included the entire Tennessee Valley in a High Risk for Much Below Normal Temperatures between January 30, 2026 through February 1, 2026. Therefore, there is greater than a 60% chance for temperatures below 17-20 degrees F during this period.

More information on the CPC U.S. Hazards Outlook can be found at:

https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/threats/threats.php

HUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

AL...Ice Storm Warning from midnight tonight to 6 PM CST Sunday for ALZ001>003.

Winter Weather Advisory from midnight tonight to 6 PM CST Sunday for ALZ004>010-016.

TN...Winter Weather Advisory from midnight tonight to 6 PM CST Sunday for TNZ076-096-097.