Honestly, if you have lived in Geneva County for more than a week, you've probably realized that checking the forecast for Hartford is more of a suggestion than a rule. It is 3:41 PM on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and the sky is currently doing that "partly sunny" thing where it can't quite decide if it wants to be gloomy or glorious.
Right now, it is 57°F outside. A 10 mph breeze is coming in from the west, which makes it feel just a bit crisper than the thermometer suggests. If you're heading out to Wright Park or just grabbing a coffee, you'll want a jacket. But don't get too comfortable with the dry air—things are about to get weird.
The current situation in Hartford
Today is a perfect example of why this town keeps meteorologists on their toes. While we have that 57°F high right now, the humidity is sitting at 56%. It feels like a standard winter day in South Alabama, but the "light rain" forecast for the daytime has a 100% chance of hitting. Basically, if it hasn't rained on your windshield yet, it’s coming.
The real kicker? Tonight.
The temperature is expected to crater to 35°F. That is a massive 22-degree drop from our current afternoon high. And while the night is mostly clear, there is actually a 23% chance of snow mentioned in the local data. In Hartford? Snow? It sounds fake, but that’s the reality of being tucked away in this specific corner of the Wiregrass. Most years, we just get "cold rain," but when that moisture lingers as the mercury hits 35°F, everyone starts looking at the sky like they’ve seen a ghost.
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Why Hartford weather is so chaotic
We are close enough to the Gulf of Mexico to get all that sticky, wet air, but just far enough inland that we don't get the "tempering" effect the coast enjoys. When a cold front slams down from the north, it doesn't have anything to stop it.
July is usually the month where everyone regrets their life choices, with highs averaging 90°F and humidity that makes the air feel like a warm, wet blanket. But January is the real wild card. It’s officially our coldest month, with an average low of 41°F, yet we’re sitting here today with a projected low of 35°F.
- Rainfall is the constant: We get about 59 inches of rain a year.
- The "Clearer" Season: If you hate clouds, October is your best friend—it’s clear about 65% of the time.
- The Storm Risk: We live in "Dixie Alley." March, April, and November are the months where you keep the weather radio on 24/7.
What to do with this forecast
If you are planning the rest of your Wednesday, keep the umbrella in the car. That 100% rain chance isn't a "maybe." It’s a "when."
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Since the UV index is a flat 0 right now and 1 for the day, you don't need to worry about sunscreen, but you should definitely worry about your plants. With a low of 35°F tonight and a west wind at 12 mph, that wind chill is going to bite. If you have sensitive ferns or outdoor pets, get them situated before the sun goes down.
Actionable steps for Hartford residents today:
- Prepare for the freeze: Cover any outdoor pipes or sensitive vegetation before the 35°F drop tonight.
- Rain Check: With a 100% chance of rain today, avoid any outdoor painting or construction projects until the clear skies return tonight.
- Driving Safety: West winds at 12 mph aren't huge, but combined with rain, it makes Highway 167 a bit slicker than usual.
It’s just another typical, unpredictable day in Hartford. One minute you're enjoying the 57°F sun, the next you're checking the porch for snowflakes.