A bitter Arctic blast is set to bring severe winter weather to Atlanta, with temperatures plummeting and wind chills reaching single digits. Get ready for a cold and potentially icy week in Georgia.
A Rainy Weekend Gives Way to a Bitter Arctic Blast
A cold front will bring rain to Georgia starting late Friday, with widespread rainfall expected on Saturday, possibly mixing with snow in higher elevations.
The cold front is expected to usher in a significant change in weather for at least the next week. As an Arctic air mass settles over the region by Sunday night, temperatures are predicted to plummet, with lows in the teens and highs struggling to climb above freezing.
Residents are advised to prepare for the cold, as wind chills could reach single digits, and temperatures will be 20 to 30 degrees below normal in many areas. The potential for snow and ice next week is uncertain, with key weather features determining the likelihood and impact of winter precipitation.
What to Expect This Week
Saturday will kick off with widespread rainfall, with totals expected to range from half an inch to an inch across much of the state. The rain will taper off from west to east by Saturday night. However, a rain/snow mix is possible in the higher elevations of northeast Georgia as temperatures begin to drop late in the evening.
By Sunday night, temperatures will be in the teens and low 20s, with daytime highs ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s. Breezy winds will drive wind chills into the single digits and teens. Residents are urged to prepare for the cold by safeguarding pipes, plants, pets, and themselves.
Regional Forecast
In the Georgia mountains, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is expected to be sunny with a high near 27°F, and Monday night will be partly cloudy with lows around 11°F. Tuesday’s forecast includes a 20% chance of snow showers with highs near 29°F, and Tuesday night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 13°F.
Uncertainty Looms Over Winter Precipitation
The possibility of winter precipitation remains on the horizon for next week, though confidence in the timing, location, and amounts is low. The placement of key weather features, such as the upper-level trough and moisture availability, will determine whether snow or ice impacts North and Central Georgia.
Residents should brace for a cold and potentially icy week. Stay tuned for updates as the pieces of this winter weather puzzle come together.
