Atlanta, Georgia – I-85 Weather Alert: 30% Snow Risk Rising Friday into Monday Next Week

Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia is now included in a moderate and increasing winter storm risk, as forecasters track a developing system that could bring snow and hazardous travel conditions into the Southeast this weekend, according to the NOAA Weather Prediction Center.

The outlook highlights the period from 7 p.m. Friday through 7 p.m. Monday, when a strengthening storm system may impact north and central Georgia, particularly along the Interstate 85 and Interstate 75 corridors, including Atlanta and the surrounding metro area.

As of Monday evening, parts of Georgia are included in a 30% probability zone for at least moderate winter storm impacts, with forecasters noting that probabilities are trending upward as confidence in the large-scale pattern improves. While exact details remain uncertain, the signal for potential impacts is becoming more defined.

What forecasters know:

• Very cold Arctic air is expected to blanket much of the eastern U.S. into next week, allowing snow to occur farther south than typical, including portions of Georgia.
• A high-altitude disturbance is forecast to dive out of Canada late Thursday, then deepen across the eastern U.S. by Saturday.
• This evolution is expected to generate a surface low-pressure system, which could interact with entrenched cold air across the Southeast.
• If the system tracks favorably, snow or a wintry mix could impact north and central Georgia, including the Atlanta metro.

What remains uncertain:

• The exact track and strength of the surface low
• Whether the heaviest precipitation stays north of Georgia or shifts farther south
• The duration and intensity of any snowfall during the Friday–Monday window

Because snow and ice are relatively rare in Georgia, even light accumulations could lead to significant travel disruptions, especially on I-85, I-75, I-20, and I-285, as well as impacts to air travel, schools, and weekend events.

Residents are urged to monitor forecast updates closely through midweek, as probabilities may continue to rise and confidence increases ahead of the weekend.