Atlanta, Ga. – A crisp, golden sunrise Thursday belies the growing danger in Georgia’s fall air — bone-dry conditions and a steady breeze will create high fire danger across much of north and central Georgia through this evening. The parched pattern, fed by persistent sunshine and low humidity, will continue into Friday before easing slightly over the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, relative humidity will dip as low as 25 percent Thursday afternoon, with northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph. Combined with extremely dry vegetation, these conditions heighten wildfire risks along the I-75 and I-20 corridors, including Metro Atlanta, Athens, and Macon. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents are urged to secure trailer chains, extinguish cigarettes completely, and avoid debris burning until winds subside.
The air will stay breezy through sunset before calming Friday morning as temperatures climb into the low 70s. Friday looks sunny and mild, while Saturday will turn slightly cooler under increasing clouds. A weak system approaching from the west could bring light showers by Sunday afternoon, offering some relief to the state’s dry landscape.
Fire officials say this pattern — typical in late October — reflects an early transition toward winter dryness. “We’re at the stage where a single spark can travel fast,” forecasters noted, advising residents to stay alert for local burn bans. Across the Southeast, similar dry conditions stretch from Alabama into the Carolinas, where humidity values will also plunge below 30 percent.
After a gusty, fire-prone Thursday, Georgia’s weather will shift toward calmer skies for the weekend — a welcome break before next week’s return to scattered rain chances.
Five-Day Forecast for Atlanta, GA:
Thu: 75/47 – Sunny, breezy; high fire danger.
Fri: 73/48 – Mostly sunny; calmer winds.
Sat: 70/52 – Increasing clouds; cooler feel.
Sun: 66/51 – Mostly cloudy; chance of PM showers.
Mon: 63/50 – Scattered showers; cooler air lingers.
