Atlanta Arctic blast: Rainy weekend ushers in extremely cold air, snow threat
The Brief
- A cold front will bring rain to Georgia starting late Friday, with widespread rainfall expected on Saturday, possibly mixing with snow in higher elevations.
- An Arctic air mass will settle over the region by Sunday night, causing temperatures to drop significantly, with lows in the teens and highs struggling to rise 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.
- The frigid air mass is expected to persist through midweek, with low precipitation chances until late next week, when there might be a slight chance of wintry weather.
ATLANTA – A rainy weekend will give way to a bitter Arctic blast next week, bringing frigid temperatures and a chance of snow and ice to Georgia, according to the FOX 5 Storm Team.
There has been plenty of chatter online about the possibility of snow showers next week. Certainly, it will be cold enough.
Rainy, cold weekend in Atlanta
Big picture view
The sunny and mild weather that has graced the state will come to an end late Friday as a cold front brings clouds and overnight rain into Saturday. “The bulk of it’s going to be the first part of the day, and then Arctic air arrives next week,” said FOX 5 Storm Team chief meteorologist David Chandley. This will usher in a significant change in weather for at least the next 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.
“A dreary start to the long term is expected with periods of widespread light to moderate rainfall,” said a forecast discussion from the FOX 5 Storm Team. Thunderstorms are not anticipated due to limited surface instability.
Arctic blast in Atlanta
What we know
By Sunday night, temperatures will plummet as an Arctic air mass settles over the region, with lows in the teens and highs struggling to climb above freezing. Many areas north of a line from LaGrange to Griffin to Athens will experience temperatures 20 to 30 degrees below normal.
“Early morning temperatures Monday through Wednesday will be in the teens to low 20s, with daytime highs ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s,” the FOX 5 Storm Team noted. “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.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day forecast in Atlanta
Local perspective
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. Wednesday brings a 20% chance of snow showers with a high near 35°F.
Is it going to snow Tuesday?
What we don’t know
The possibility of winter precipitation remains on the horizon for next week, though confidence in the timing, location, and amounts is low. “We’re watching for the possibility of snow chances next week, but really nothing is certain right now,” said Chandley.
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. “This is the South, and as we know, the exact placement of features can make or break a winter weather forecast,” Chandley explained.
Atlanta weekend forecast
Timeline
Another wave of energy moving through the trough on Sunday could bring light flurries to North Georgia, but the bigger story will be the cold. The frigid air mass is expected to linger through midweek, reinforcing the need for preparation.
Looking ahead, precipitation chances remain low until late next week, though some models suggest a slight chance of wintry weather by Tuesday. “Right now, we’ll focus on the cold air and worry about precipitation chances as we get closer,” said Chandley.
For now, 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,” Chandley added.
This article is based on original forecast by the FOX 5 Storm Team.
