Weather
Georgia Thanksgiving Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, Snow Possible Nov. 22-28
Atlanta, GA – Georgia residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter unsettled weather November 22 28, with a wetter than normal pattern favored across the state and the
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-11-14T23:17:51.386Z
Atlanta, GA – Georgia residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter unsettled weather November 22 28, with a wetter than normal pattern favored across the state and the possibility of mountain snow or freezing rain worth monitoring in northern Georgia.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's NOAA Climate Prediction Center, eight to 14 day outlooks issued Saturday, November 14, favor above normal precipitation across Georgia during Thanksgiving week.
The precipitation outlook indicates approximately a 40% to 50% probability of above normal precipitation across portions of Georgia, with probabilities increasing toward southern and southeastern areas.
Parts of southern Georgia approach the 70% to 80% probability category, representing a stronger signal for wetter than average conditions during the November 22 28 period.
These percentages represent the likelihood of above normal precipitation totals, not the probability of rain on Thanksgiving Day or the likelihood of flooding.
Could Georgia See Snow or Freezing Rain?
Despite a temperature outlook favoring generally above normal conditions, wintry precipitation cannot be entirely ruled out in the northern Georgia mountains.
Higher elevations near Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Hiawassee and Dahlonega could experience snow or freezing rain if sufficiently cold air coincides with precipitation.
Atlanta, Athens, Macon, Columbus, Savannah and Valdosta would generally be more likely to experience rain during milder conditions.
However, NOAA's extended outlook does not specifically forecast snowfall, freezing rain, heavy rainfall amounts or a winter storm.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday Travel Outlook
Thanksgiving falls Thursday, November 26, followed by Black Friday on November 27.
Drivers traveling Interstate 75, Interstate 85, Interstate 20, Interstate 16 and Interstate 95 should monitor updated forecasts as holiday traffic increases.
Rain could create wet roads and reduced visibility, while colder conditions could bring slippery travel to higher mountain routes if wintry precipitation develops.
No specific hazardous travel period has been identified.
More detailed forecasts should clarify precipitation timing, potential rainfall amounts and any winter weather concerns as Thanksgiving approaches.