Weather
Georgia Weather: Fire Risk Today, Cooler Weekend Oct. 21-25
ATLANTA, GA — Residents across much of north and central Georgia face heightened fire danger Wednesday, October 21, as unusually dry afternoon conditions increase the potential for fires to start and
By Avery Collins · 2026-10-21T08:40:57.414Z
ATLANTA, GA — Residents across much of north and central Georgia face heightened fire danger Wednesday, October 21, as unusually dry afternoon conditions increase the potential for fires to start and spread. The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement urging caution with outdoor burning, while the Atlanta area prepares for a cooler weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, a Special Weather Statement issued at 1:34 a.m. Wednesday warns that relative humidity could fall to 30% or lower for at least four hours during the afternoon and evening. Combined with dry vegetation, these conditions will create elevated fire danger across a large portion of Georgia.
Fire Danger Extends Across Much of Georgia The statement covers numerous counties across north and central Georgia, including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Cherokee, Forsyth, Clayton, Fayette and Henry counties.
Additional areas across western, central and eastern Georgia are also included.
Forecasters expect winds to remain mostly below 7 mph and variable in direction. Although strong winds are not anticipated, the combination of low humidity and dry fuels remains sufficient to increase fire danger.
The National Weather Service advises residents to consult local burn permitting authorities before burning outdoors and to exercise extreme caution if burning is permitted.
The statement identifies high fire danger conditions but does not establish that a wildfire is actively burning or that a Red Flag Warning has been issued.
Five Day Atlanta Weather Outlook Wednesday 10/21: Sunny skies with an afternoon high near 75 degrees. Winds become easterly around 5 mph. Clear overnight, with temperatures falling to approximately 49 degrees. Elevated fire danger remains the primary concern during the afternoon and evening.
Thursday 10/22: Sunshine continues with a high near 75 degrees. North winds around 5 mph. Clear skies overnight, with a low near 50 degrees.
Friday 10/23: Sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 71 degrees. East winds of 5 to 10 mph could gust as high as 15 mph. Clear overnight, with a low near 49 degrees.
Saturday 10/24: Cooler afternoon conditions arrive, with sunshine and a high near 67 degrees. Clear skies continue Saturday night as temperatures fall to approximately 46 degrees.
Sunday 10/25: Sunny skies remain in the forecast, with a high near 68 degrees. Clear overnight, with a low around 47 degrees.
Cooler Weekend Ahead for Metro Atlanta Following Wednesday and Thursday highs near 75 degrees, temperatures are expected to drop into the upper 60s by Saturday and Sunday.
The cooler conditions will affect Atlanta and nearby communities across the metro area, including portions of Fulton and DeKalb counties.
No rainfall is indicated in the supplied five day Atlanta forecast, meaning residents should not expect significant precipitation during the upcoming weekend.
Longer Range Outlook Favors Warmer Conditions NOAA's Climate Prediction Center outlook for October 28 through November 3 favors above normal temperatures across Georgia.
The accompanying precipitation outlook also favors above normal precipitation across much of the state during that period.
However, these longer range outlooks do not establish specific rainfall amounts, storm dates or daily temperatures.
For now, Wednesday's elevated fire danger remains the immediate weather concern. Residents should follow local burning restrictions and monitor additional National Weather Service updates as conditions develop.