Cold Front to Bring First Freeze of Season to Atlanta Next Week

ATLANTA, Ga. — The FOX 5 Storm Team is tracking a significant shift in weather for north and central Georgia this weekend, with late-night storms expected Friday into Saturday and a major drop in temperatures next week.

After a calm Friday, forecasters predict storms will hit after midnight. Chief Meteorologist Joanne Feldman warns that the timing could pose risks for those sleeping. “If we do get severe weather, it might be while you’re asleep,” said Feldman. She recommends downloading the FOX 5 Storm Team app or having a NOAA Weather Radio for alerts.

On Saturday, the Atlanta area will likely see a mix of sunny and cloudy skies, with isolated showers possible in the afternoon. Sunday morning could still see lingering rain before a cold front moves in, dropping temperatures significantly overnight.

A high of only 44 degrees is expected Monday, with a warning for widespread freezing temperatures into the 20s by Tuesday morning. Feldman noted, “This will be the first hard freeze of the season for many of us.” Preparation is key, and residents are urged to protect sensitive vegetation.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the region, including a Dense Fog Advisory until 9 AM on Friday. Visibility may be limited in some areas.

For those in north Georgia, the conditions could lead to isolated thunderstorms, producing damaging wind gusts of up to 60 mph. Although severe weather is not anticipated, storms could still develop.

As winds pick up and the temperatures drop, flurries may be possible in the higher elevations of the North Georgia mountains on Monday, although no significant accumulation is expected.

Residents are reminded that the last time Atlanta experienced temperatures below freezing was in late February. If the temperature drops to 28 degrees Tuesday morning, it would mark one of the earliest freezes ever recorded in the area.

By Tuesday afternoon, the forecast does show a rebound, with highs in the 50s as conditions improve. However, the brisk winds will continue to make it feel colder throughout the day.