You’re probably looking at your phone right now, wondering if you need that heavy coat or just a light hoodie for a quick run to the Piggly Wiggly. Living in the Wiregrass means you've basically accepted that the weather is a fickle friend. One minute you’re enjoying a crisp winter afternoon, and the next, a "blue norther" is rattling your windowpanes.
Honestly, the ozark al weather forecast is more than just numbers on a screen; it's the rhythm of life in Dale County.
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The Current Situation on the Ground
Right now in Ozark, it’s a bit of a damp, chilly mess. As of late Friday night, January 16, 2026, the temperature is sitting at a cool 48°F, but with that south wind blowing at 9 mph, it actually feels more like 43°F.
The humidity is high at 76%, which gives the air that heavy, Southern winter "bite" that gets right into your bones. We’ve got a 5% chance of rain tonight under partly cloudy skies, so it’s mostly just a "stay inside and watch Netflix" kind of evening.
Today’s Forecast: Saturday, January 17, 2026
If you had outdoor plans for today, you might want to rethink them or at least pack an umbrella. We are looking at a high of 58°F, which sounds decent, but it’s going to be a soggy one.
- Daytime: Expect light rain with a 35% chance of precipitation. The wind is shifting, coming at us from the north at 10 mph.
- Nighttime: The temperature is expected to drop to a low of 37°F. Here is the kicker: that light rain continues, but there is actually a 45% chance of snow mixing in.
Yes, snow in the Wiregrass. It’s rare, usually doesn't stick to the roads, and mostly just makes everyone rush to the store for bread and milk, but keep an eye on those windshields tonight.
Looking Ahead: The 9-Day Outlook
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, things clear up significantly, though it stays cold. We’re looking at a high of only 45°F and a low of 29°F. It’ll be sunny, but that northwest wind at 8 mph will keep things brisk.
The rest of the week is a bit of a rollercoaster. Monday and Tuesday stay dry and sunny with highs in the low 50s and high 40s. By Thursday, January 22, we see a warm-up back to 62°F with more rain, followed by a surprisingly mild Saturday where we might hit 66°F. Basically, don't put away your shorts or your parkas. You’ll need both within 72 hours.
Why Ozark Weather is So Unpredictable
People often think Alabama weather is just "hot and then slightly less hot." That’s a total myth. Ozark sits in a unique spot where we get the moisture from the Gulf of Mexico clashing with the cold air masses pushing down from the Plains.
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This collision is why we can have a sunny morning and a tornado watch by dinner. In January, the average high is usually around 59°F, and the low is 38°F. Today’s forecast is pretty much bang-on for the averages, though that potential for a few snowflakes tonight is definitely the "wild card" of the week.
Safety and Prepping for the "Wiregrass Winter"
When the forecast mentions rain and freezing temperatures, it’s not just about comfort. Black ice on bridges—especially over the Choctawhatchee River or on Highway 231—can be a real hazard because we just don't see it often enough to be pros at driving in it.
If you’re heading out during those overnight hours when the chance of snow is 45%, just take it slow. Honestly, most of the "snow" we see in Southeast Alabama is just slush that disappears the second the sun peeks out, but it only takes one slick spot to ruin your Saturday.
Actionable Next Steps
To stay ahead of the curve, here is what you should actually do:
- Check your tire pressure. Those sudden drops from 58°F to 37°F will trigger your "low air" light faster than you can say "Roll Tide."
- Drip those faucets. We have several nights coming up, specifically Sunday and Tuesday, where the lows are forecast at 29°F and 27°F.
- Bring the pets in. Tonight’s "feels like" temp is in the low 40s, and it’s going to stay chilly all week. If you’re cold, they’re cold.
- Keep the layers handy. With highs jumping from 45 to 66 degrees over the next few days, the "onion method" of dressing is your only hope of staying comfortable.
Stay dry out there today, and keep an eye on that north wind.