Huntsville, Alabama – A surge of Arctic air is settling across the Tennessee Valley, setting up a prolonged stretch of bitter winter cold expected to last through the end of January and into early February. Temperatures are dropping sharply this weekend, with overnight lows falling well below normal and daytime highs struggling to recover across north Alabama, southern Tennessee, and nearby areas.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the pattern from Jan. 27 through early February strongly favors much below normal temperatures across the Tennessee Valley. This Arctic outbreak is part of a broader national cold surge driving extreme subzero air across the Midwest and Northeast, while pushing freezing conditions deep into the Southeast.
For the Tennessee Valley, the most immediate concern is the combination of hard freezes and potential wintry precipitation. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are possible at times this weekend, particularly across higher terrain and northern sections, creating slick travel on I-65, I-24, U.S. 72, U.S. 431, and secondary roads. Rapid temperature drops increase the risk of icy bridges, frozen pipes, and strain on power and heating systems.
While brief moderation may occur at times, no sustained warm-up is expected before Feb. 2. Officials urge residents to limit outdoor exposure, protect exposed plumbing, bring pets indoors, and stay alert for additional winter weather advisories and cold alerts as this Arctic pattern remains firmly in control across the Tennessee Valley.
