Dry and chilly weather is expected across much of Georgia as the state rings in the New Year, with wind chills dropping into the lower 30s by midnight, according to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City.
NWS forecasts show temperatures steadily falling through New Year’s Eve evening, with increasing cold felt due to light but persistent winds. In Atlanta, wind chills are expected to drop from around 43 degrees at 6 p.m. to near 33 degrees by midnight, and close to 30 degrees by 3 a.m. Similar conditions are forecast across central and north Georgia.
In Athens, wind chills are expected to fall from the low 40s early in the evening to around 30 degrees overnight. Columbus is forecast to drop from the mid-40s to near 31 degrees, while Macon sees wind chills falling to around 32 degrees by midnight and near 31 degrees overnight.
According to the National Weather Service, conditions will remain dry, with no precipitation expected through the overnight period or into New Year’s Day. While winds will not be strong, the combination of cooler temperatures and light airflow will make it feel colder for those attending late-night outdoor events.
Road conditions are expected to remain favorable across the region, including along Interstate 75, Interstate 85, Interstate 20, and Interstate 16, with dry pavement anticipated through the holiday night. No icing or winter precipitation impacts are expected.
By New Year’s Day (Thursday), temperatures will remain seasonably cool in the morning before gradually warming during the afternoon under dry conditions.
The National Weather Service advises those celebrating outdoors to dress in layers, limit prolonged exposure to the cold late at night, and plan ahead for chilly conditions when welcoming 2026.
For commuters, service workers, and holiday travelers, the primary concern will be cold wind chills rather than road hazards, offering a quiet but brisk start to the New Year.
