Weather
Southeast Weather: Georgia-South Carolina Warmth Oct 20-24
Atlanta, GA – Residents across Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina could experience a warmer than usual stretch during the second half of October, as federal forecasters favor above normal temp
By Marcus Hale · 2026-10-15T10:51:08.673Z
Atlanta, GA – Residents across Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina could experience a warmer than usual stretch during the second half of October, as federal forecasters favor above normal temperatures across the Southeast from Tuesday, October 20, through Saturday, October 24. However, the rainfall outlook shows a notable divide between the southern and northern portions of the region.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, six to 10 day outlooks issued Wednesday, October 14, place all three states within areas favoring above normal temperatures. The probability signal is strongest farther inland, while precipitation probabilities vary considerably between Georgia and North Carolina.
Above normal warmth stretches across three states Georgia is positioned within NOAA's above normal temperature outlook, with much of the state shaded in the 50% to 60% probability category. Northern and western portions of Georgia approach stronger temperature probabilities extending toward Tennessee and Alabama.
Atlanta, Athens, Macon and Augusta are all within the broad area favoring warmer than normal conditions.
South Carolina also falls within the above normal temperature outlook, generally showing probabilities between 50% and 60%. Communities around Greenville, Columbia and Charleston share the warmer temperature tendency, although probabilities weaken slightly toward the Atlantic coastline.
North Carolina follows a similar pattern, but with a somewhat weaker signal in eastern areas. Western and central sections, including Asheville and Charlotte, are generally within the 50% to 60% category, while parts of the coastal plain fall closer to 40% to 50%.
These probabilities indicate the likelihood of above normal temperatures during the five day period, not a specific forecast high or a guarantee that every day will be warmer than average.
Rainfall outlook reveals a north south divide While temperatures show a relatively consistent regional pattern, precipitation is less uniform.
Much of Georgia and South Carolina falls within NOAA's near normal precipitation category. This means the outlook does not strongly favor either unusually wet or unusually dry conditions across most of those states.
North Carolina presents a different picture.
Western and central portions of North Carolina generally remain near normal, while parts of northern and western North Carolina approach an area favoring below normal precipitation extending across Virginia and the central Appalachians.
The stronger dry signal is concentrated farther north, particularly across portions of Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky.
For Southeast residents, this distinction matters when planning outdoor activities, agricultural work and travel. Above normal temperatures do not necessarily mean dry weather, and the maps do not establish whether individual communities will experience rain on any particular day.
What residents should watch next The October 20 24 outlook suggests a broad warm pattern across Georgia and the Carolinas, but precipitation confidence is weaker across much of the region.
Residents should monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts for daily temperatures, rain chances and potential travel impacts as the period approaches.
For now, the clearest signal is warmer than normal conditions across all three states, with North Carolina closer to the northern edge of a developing drier precipitation pattern.
Are you looking forward to more fall warmth, or are you ready for cooler October weather?