Atlanta, Georgia – A significant pattern change is on the way for the Southeastern United States, with a sharp cooldown expected to arrive this weekend and linger into early next week, replacing the recent stretch of mild January weather.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, colder air will surge south and east beginning Saturday, spreading across the Tennessee Valley, Deep South, and Southeast by Sunday and Monday. High temperatures that have been running well above normal will fall quickly, with many areas seeing drops of 15 to 25 degrees compared to late-week readings.
Across Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas, afternoon highs in the 60s and lower 70s late this week will retreat into the 40s and lower 50s by Sunday. In Atlanta, highs are expected to settle into the upper 40s to near 50, with overnight lows dropping into the 30s. Farther north into the Carolinas and eastern Tennessee, some locations may struggle to reach the mid-40s during the day.
The cooldown will be reinforced by brisk northwest winds, increasing the chill factor during morning and evening hours. While widespread winter precipitation is not currently indicated, the colder air raises the risk of patchy refreeze on bridges and untreated surfaces during early mornings, especially in inland and higher-elevation areas.
Residents across the Southeast are encouraged to prepare for colder mornings, protect sensitive plants and exposed pipes, and adjust outdoor plans accordingly. The cooler-than-normal pattern is expected to hold into the start of the workweek, with additional temperature swings possible as January progresses.
