Cold Weather Alert: Georgia Faces Freezing Temperatures Next Week

ATLANTA, Georgia — North and central Georgia are bracing for a wave of winter weather as temperatures are expected to drop significantly next week. Following calm conditions on Friday, the FOX 5 Storm Team warns residents to prepare for late-night storms Friday and a hard freeze by early Tuesday.

Chief Meteorologist Joanne Feldman stated, “We’ll have some clouds and fog trying to develop over the next couple of hours, but overall today is pretty quiet until the very end of the day. The better chance of bigger storms will be from roughly midnight through sunrise.” She advised that this timing could pose safety risks for those asleep as severe thunderstorms may occur.

Residents can expect scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms through the weekend. Saturday will be mostly dry with a few light showers possible. However, the weather is set to take a dramatic turn on Sunday night, leading to the coldest temperatures of the season.

Feldman notes that winds will increase, possibly bringing snow flurries to the North Georgia mountains on Monday morning. Although no accumulations are forecasted, it will feel much more like winter. “A high of only 44 degrees is expected for Monday, with widespread lows in the 20s on Tuesday morning, marking the first hard freeze of the season for many of us,” she added.

The National Weather Service issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook including a dense fog advisory until 9 a.m. Friday, and a marginal risk of severe weather in western Georgia. Rainfall totals this weekend are predicted to be around half an inch or less, but stronger thunderstorms could produce up to an inch.

As temperatures are set to dip drastically, Georgians are urged to prepare their homes and gardens accordingly. “Make plans for any sensitive vegetation and complete any winterization of outdoor exposed plumbing,” advised officials.

Weather patterns indicate that a cold front sweeping through the region will cause temperatures to plummet, with highs only reaching the 40s on Monday. By Tuesday morning, many areas could experience temperatures around 30 degrees, with even colder conditions in the suburbs.

Residents are reminded to dress warmly and safeguard their plants ahead of the freeze. The weather outlook shows no signs of significant heating before mid-week, and the cold air is expected to linger.