Atlanta, GA – Georgians may be welcoming 2026 with temperatures more typical of early spring, as long-range forecasts point to a stretch of near-record warmth developing after Christmas and extending into the New Year.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 8–14 day temperature outlook for Saturday, December 27 through Friday, January 2 strongly favors above-normal temperatures across Georgia, including Atlanta, Savannah, Macon, Columbus, and much of north and central Georgia.
In the Atlanta metro area, daytime highs during the post-Christmas to New Year’s period are expected to run well above late-December averages, with some days potentially approaching or challenging daily record highs. Late December typically brings cooler air and occasional cold snaps to north Georgia, making the projected warmth especially notable.
Meteorologists say the mild pattern is being driven by a broad ridge of high pressure dominating much of the eastern United States, preventing sustained Arctic air from pushing into the Southeast and keeping winter storm systems largely displaced to the north.
The warm trend may not end with New Year’s Day. NOAA’s Week 3–4 outlook for January 3–16, 2026 continues to lean above average for temperatures across much of Georgia, particularly across central and southern portions of the state. While forecast confidence decreases farther out, current guidance suggests a mild start to January rather than a return to typical winter chill.
The extended warmth could affect energy demand, outdoor plans, agriculture, and winter weather expectations, including a reduced risk of frost or freezing temperatures in many areas. Forecasters caution that brief cold snaps are still possible, but overall signals point toward an unusually warm opening to 2026 for Georgia.
