Atlanta, Georgia – National forecasters say winter weather impacts are increasingly likely across the Southeast this weekend, including the Atlanta metro area, as a broad storm system moves east and cold air settles across the region.
According to the National Weather Service, official probability outlooks show a growing chance of at least minor winter weather impacts beginning Thursday night and Friday, expanding and intensifying Friday night through Sunday. The highest probabilities extend from the southern Plains through the Tennessee Valley and into the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.
For north and central Georgia, including Atlanta, probability shading indicates a 30% to 60% chance of at least minor winter weather impacts during the Friday night through Sunday timeframe. These impacts may include snow, sleet, or freezing rain, depending on how temperatures and storm track evolve.
While the outlooks do not specify snowfall or ice totals, the National Weather Service emphasizes that even minor winter precipitation in the Southeast can significantly affect travel, especially on elevated roadways. If freezing precipitation occurs, bridges and overpasses are typically the first locations to become hazardous.
Potentially affected routes in the Atlanta area include Interstate 75, Interstate 85, Interstate 20, and Interstate 285, where icing could quickly lead to slowdowns or closures if winter weather materializes overnight or early morning.
Forecasters stress that uncertainty remains high, particularly regarding exact timing, precipitation type, and impact severity. Probability maps will continue to be refined as the event approaches, and confidence is expected to increase later in the week.
Residents are urged to monitor updated forecasts, review weekend travel plans, and prepare for possible disruptions. Commuters, students, and weekend travelers should remain especially alert during Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday, when winter impacts are most likely.
Additional updates will be issued as the forecast evolves.
