Atlanta, Georgia – Unseasonably cold Arctic air is pushing deep into Georgia, bringing a rare stretch of winter chill that could linger through the end of January and into early February. Temperatures are set to drop sharply this weekend, with overnight lows falling well below normal statewide and daytime highs struggling to rebound, especially across north and central Georgia.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the pattern from Jan. 27 through early February favors much below normal temperatures across the Southeast. This Arctic surge is part of a broader national outbreak driving subzero cold across the Midwest and Northeast, while forcing freezing air unusually far south into Georgia and neighboring states.
For Georgia, the immediate concern is the risk of wintry precipitation and hard freezes. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are possible late this weekend into early next week, particularly across north Georgia and the Atlanta metro, creating slick conditions on I-75, I-85, I-20, and elevated roadways. Even areas farther south could see damaging freezes capable of impacting pipes, agriculture, and outdoor infrastructure.
While brief temperature moderation may occur, no sustained warm-up is expected before Feb. 2. Officials urge residents to protect exposed plumbing, bring pets indoors, limit travel during icy periods, and closely monitor updates as additional cold weather advisories and winter alerts may be issued during this unusually long stretch of Arctic cold.
