You’re waking up in Gadsden today, and honestly, the air has that sharp, biting edge that only an Alabama January can deliver. It isn't just "chilly." It’s that deep, damp cold that seems to settle right into your bones the moment you step out onto Broad Street. If you’re checking the weather forecast for Gadsden Alabama today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you’re looking at a high of 42°F.
That sounds manageable on paper, right?
But then you see the low. 25°F.
That’s a seventeen-degree swing that’ll catch you off guard if you aren't layering up like an onion. We aren't in the middle of a tropical paradise here. Gadsden’s winter is short, sure, but it’s surprisingly wet and gray. Most folks from up North laugh when we talk about "winter," but they haven't felt a 25-degree night in the Coosa River valley with the humidity sitting heavy. It’s different. It’s a wet cold.
The Week Ahead: Is Rain Ruining Your Plans?
If you’ve got things to do this coming week, you’re basically playing a game of meteorological chess.
Next Sunday, January 25, is looking like a bit of a wash. We’re expecting light rain during the day with a high of 51°F, but the real mess happens at night. The chance of precipitation jumps to 65%. It’s going to be one of those "showers" nights where you just want to stay in and watch the rain hit the window.
By Monday, January 26, the temperature starts to dip again. We’re looking at a high of 49°F and a low of 27°F. There’s a 15% chance of snow that night. Now, don't go rushing to the Piggly Wiggly for milk and bread just yet—it’s a slim chance, and in Gadsden, "snow" usually just means "cold slush that disappears by 9:00 AM."
But the wind is the real story for Monday. We’re talking 13 mph coming out of the southwest. That’s enough to make 49 degrees feel like 39.
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Tuesday, January 27, stays crisp.
High of 46°F.
Low of 23°F.
North winds at 10 mph.
It’s basically going to be a "heavy coat" kind of day.
What No One Tells You About Gadsden Winters
People think the Deep South is all sunshine and peaches. Kinda wish it was.
January is historically our coldest month. The average daily high is usually around 52°F, but as we’re seeing this week, we often fall well below that. Interestingly, Gadsden is actually one of the cloudier spots in the state this time of year. About 54% of the time, the sky is just... gray. Overcast. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to drink an entire pot of coffee at The Coffee Bar downtown.
Did you know the record low for Gadsden was a bone-chilling -6°F back in 1985? We aren't anywhere near that this year, thank goodness. But the humidity—averaging 68% this month—makes every degree of cold feel significantly heavier.
Why the "Warming Shelter" Talk Matters
When the lows hit 25°F like they are tonight, the Gadsden/Etowah County EMA starts paying real close attention. They’ve actually got a pretty robust system for this. If you’re ever in a spot where you or someone you know needs to get out of the cold, places like the Salvation Army on North 11th Street often serve as overnight shelters.
It’s easy to ignore the EMA until the sirens go off or the ice starts forming, but their "AlertEtowah" app is actually pretty useful for tracking these sudden temperature drops. Honestly, it’s better than just refreshing a generic weather app because it’s tailored to our specific valley geography.
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Surviving the Gadsden Chill: Actionable Steps
Since we’re staring down a low of 25°F tonight and some rainy/windy days next week, here’s how to handle it like a local who actually knows what’s up:
- Drip those faucets. It sounds like an old wives' tale, but when it hits 25°F, those exterior pipes in older Gadsden homes start getting real vulnerable. A slow drip saves a massive plumbing bill.
- Layer for the 20-degree swing. You’ll need a heavy coat at 7:00 AM, but by 2:00 PM, you’ll be sweating in it. Wear a fleece under a shell.
- Check your tires. Cold air makes tire pressure drop. If your "low pressure" light comes on tomorrow morning, it’s probably just the January air being a jerk.
- Watch the Monday wind. 13 mph winds on January 26 will make outdoor chores miserable. If you have to do yard work or move equipment, try to get it done during the calmer Tuesday window.
Gadsden weather is a fickle thing. One day you're in a light jacket walking the Noccalula Falls trails, and the next, you're scraping frost off your windshield. Stay prepared for those low-20s nights, and keep an eye on that rain chance for next Sunday. It’s going to be a damp one.