Atlanta Weather Alert: Snow Flurries Possible as System Moves South

ATLANTA – Residents across the Metro Atlanta area are keeping a close watch on the skies as a weak winter weather system creeps through Georgia this weekend. While the heaviest precipitation is expected to stay south of the capital, a notable chance for snow flurries exists, particularly in the southern reaches of the metro region.

The FOX 5 Storm Team is tracking the precise trajectory of this system, which is predicted to shift northward enough to impact areas south of I-20. However, the overall consensus suggests that North Georgia will remain largely untouched by significant accumulation.

Where Snow is Most Likely

The primary impact zone for this wintry mix is centered south of Atlanta. Current forecasts indicate that accumulating snow is most probable in Middle Georgia counties, where some areas could see up to three inches. For the immediate Metro Atlanta area, the snowfall remains a volatile forecast, highly dependent on minor shifts in temperature and moisture.

“It’s not an overly strong system,” stated FOX 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Greg Majewski. “We’re going to be watching this kind of an hour-by-hour thing, but by tomorrow afternoon, it’s all done—looking pretty good.”

Advisories South of I-20

Winter Weather Advisories are currently concentrated in counties farther south, including Troup, Butts, Walton, Oglethorpe, Meriwether, Upson, Spalding, Jasper, Pike, Morgan, Clarke, Oconee, Lamar, Greene, Putnam, Newton, Henry, and Madison Counties. In these zones, a dusting up to one inch is possible.

Farther south, toward Macon and Warner Robins, the situation escalates, with a Winter Storm Warning in effect, anticipating accumulations between one and three inches. Meteorologists emphasize that the air temperature will be the critical factor determining how much, if any, of this precipitation reaches the ground as snow near Atlanta.

The Weekend Winter Weather Timeline

The transition from rain to potential wintry weather is slated for the early hours of Sunday morning. Here is the expected timeline:

• Saturday Night: Temperatures will begin to plummet rapidly as colder air surges in, pushing lows into the 20s and 30s by morning.
• Sunday Morning: This represents the best window for snow. A transition to a wintry mix or wet snow is anticipated around sunrise, primarily impacting areas south and east of a line connecting Columbus, Griffin, and Madison.
• Sunday Afternoon: The system is expected to clear out, leaving behind cold but improving conditions across the region.

A Bitterly Cold Start to the Work Week

The immediate aftermath of the storm brings a dramatic shift in weather focus, moving from precipitation chances to a sustained period of severe cold. Once the moisture moves out by Sunday afternoon, dangerously dry and frigid air will settle over North Georgia.

“The temperatures are going to get really cold come tomorrow morning,” Majewski warned. “And it’s going to be a struggle all day to warm up.”

This “dry cold” introduces new hazards, including plummeting humidity levels that can increase fire risks. Temperatures are expected to remain well below average through Wednesday.

North Georgia Forecast Numbers

For those north of the immediate snow threat, the forecast centers on sun and sharp drops in temperature:

• Metro Atlanta (Sunday): Mostly sunny, high in the upper 40s. West winds gusting up to 20 mph.
• M.L. King Day (Monday): Sunny and cold, high near 47, with a low dropping to 21.
• Tuesday: Sunny and cold, high around 40, low near 23.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, warming slightly to a high of 52.

For the North Georgia Mountains, conditions will be even harsher, with Sunday highs struggling to reach 33 and overnight lows dipping toward 18. Monday morning promises a true taste of deep winter, with lows potentially hitting 11 degrees.

Residents are strongly encouraged to download the free FOX 5 Storm Team app and follow @FOX5STORMTEAM on X for minute-by-minute updates as the forecast remains highly sensitive to atmospheric changes. Preparation for icy patches on untreated roads south of Atlanta, combined with the subsequent severe cold, remains the primary focus for weekend preparedness.