Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — While there’s no snow in the forecast, Orange Beach and the surrounding communities are bracing for an unusually harsh blast of winter air, bringing a bitter chill more reminiscent of far inland than the Gulf Coast. Strong north winds make it feel even colder than the thermometer suggests. Overnight, the cold deepens, with wind chills dipping well below freezing and flirting with single digits in spots. The combination of low temperatures and brisk winds is already reshaping weekend plans across Baldwin County.

On Friday, the forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and a high near 60, with a north wind of 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the morning. Friday night, the weather takes a sharp turn as clouds increase and the low drops to around 30 degrees, with wind chill values between 20 and 25. North winds strengthen to 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, setting the stage for a truly raw and uncomfortable night outdoors.

Saturday delivers the coldest punch of the pattern, with sunny skies but a high near 38 degrees and a stiff northwest wind at around 20 mph, gusting to 35 mph. Even on a bright day, the strong wind and sub-40 temperatures will make the day feel harsh, especially near open areas and the waterfront. Saturday night remains mostly clear but turns even more frigid, with a low around 23 degrees and blustery north winds of 15 to 20 mph, producing a biting wind chill for anyone out after dark or before sunrise.

Sunday stays firmly in winter mode, with sunny skies and a high near 43 degrees. A north wind of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph, will keep the air feeling brisk and cold for beach walks, churchgoers, or anyone attending outdoor gatherings. By Sunday night, skies will be partly cloudy, with a low around 31 degrees and a light northwest wind near 5 mph, resulting in a modest but noticeable reduction in wind chill.

The prolonged cold and dangerous wind chills have already led organizers to rethink major events in the area. The Order of Raskalz Elberta Mardi Gras Parade, originally scheduled for Saturday at noon, has been canceled due to the Arctic blast, freezing temperatures, high winds, and near-zero wind chills expected during the parade. With 44 parade entries, nearly 100 walkers, hundreds of riders, and large crowds of spectators, organizers stressed that participant and community safety came first. While there is no make-up date for this year’s Elberta parade, the group is already promising to return “full force” when it is their turn to roll again in 2027, and they are encouraging supporters to catch them at the Foley Parade on February 14 and The Wharf Parade on February 16.

The cold snap is also impacting local festival plans. The Gumbo & Alabama Slammer Festival, originally scheduled for this weekend, has been moved to February 7 and 8 at 200 N. McKenzie Street in Foley, running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the first day and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the second. Organizers are inviting visitors to “wear your comfy pants,” bring friends, and come hungry for a weekend of family fun featuring food trucks, live bands, artists and crafters, a large kids’ zone with inflatables and games, a petting zoo, Alabama Slammers and other mixed drinks, beer and wine, and contests for cash and more. Admission is $ 5, with children 12 and under admitted free. Tickets are available in advance or at the gate; more information is available online at beachlifeevents.com.

Despite the harsh conditions now, early next week shows a slow, gradual climb away from the coldest air. Monday is expected to be sunny with a high near 52 degrees, as north winds around 5 to 10 mph shift to the west in the afternoon. Monday night looks mostly clear with a low around 39, hinting at a step back toward more typical late-January conditions, though the region will likely still feel the aftereffects of this Arctic blast in the stories and schedules of residents, visitors, and event organizers alike.