ATLANTA, Ga. – NOAA’s Winter 2025–2026 outlook, released Thursday, Oct. 16, shows Georgia heading into a colder, wetter setup after Christmas — one that could bring occasional snow or ice through February. The Climate Prediction Center’s data points to above-normal precipitation and near- to below-normal temperatures statewide, signaling a La Niña pattern capable of producing disruptive Southern winter weather.
According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, “North and central Georgia should expect a few winter weather threats this year, especially in January and February.” Areas along and north of I-20 — including Atlanta, Rome, and Gainesville — could see a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain during cold outbreaks. The Appalachian foothills and Blue Ridge region may record several accumulating snowfalls, while southern Georgia, including Macon and Valdosta, remains mostly rainy but cool.
Forecasters warn that even minor winter storms can cause major travel issues when temperatures drop quickly overnight. GDOT crews are preparing for bridge icing and advising drivers to monitor conditions closely during Arctic fronts. Power outages and school delays are also possible during heavier ice events.
The colder pattern may linger into early March, delaying spring blooms across the northern half of the state. Residents are urged to service heating systems, protect outdoor pipes, and stay weather-aware during January cold surges.
For Georgia, Winter 2026 looks colder and more unpredictable than recent mild seasons — a reminder that even the Deep South isn’t immune to snow and ice.
