17 inches of snow in Atlanta Jan. 9? Experts say probably not
A snowy and icy view of I-20 in Atlanta is visible from a Marta train after a snow storm on January 10, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue declared a state of emergency because of snowfall and ice acr
ATLANTA - A snow map predicting more than 17 inches of snow for metro Atlanta on Jan. 9 and 10 has taken social media by storm, starting with a post in the Georgia subreddit two days ago. The post included a disclaimer that the forecast could change, but it suggested that the cold weather was consistent and that a low-pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico could combine with moisture to create a significant winter storm.
The map quickly spread across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Peachtree City was quick to push back, calling such long-range forecasts unreliable.
What Weather Officials Say
The NWS emphasized that snowfall predictions made more than a week in advance are rarely accurate. Current models indicate colder-than-average temperatures in early January, but there's no guarantee that it will snow – much less 17 inches. Forecasters caution that even small changes in temperature could mean the difference between snow, rain, or dry weather.
Meteorologists recommend focusing on weather trends rather than specific numbers at this stage. While the possibility of snow exists, clearer details will emerge closer to the potential event, typically about three days out.
Colder Weather Incoming
A series of cold fronts are set to move through Georgia in the coming days:
- Front #1 (New Year’s Eve): Temperatures in the 60s will drop rapidly into the 40s by evening, accompanied by gusty winds.
- Front #2 (weekend): Another cold front will reinforce chilly conditions late Friday or early Saturday.
- Front #3 (early next week): The strongest front is expected late Sunday or Monday, bringing frigid temperatures and the potential for several hard freezes.
Some forecast models have hinted at the possibility of wintry precipitation across the Southeast, but predictions vary. Recent models show conditions trending toward cold and dry, underscoring the uncertainty of long-range weather forecasts.
Snowfall History in metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta’s snowfall totals in recent years have been modest:
- Jan. 17, 2018: 2.3 inches
- Dec. 9, 2017: 1.5 inches
- Jan. 28, 2014: 2.6 inches
- Jan. 9, 2011: 3.7 inches
- Feb. 12, 2010: 3.6 inches
Record Snowfalls in Georgia
Georgia’s biggest snowfalls include:
- March 3, 1942: 19.3 inches in Polk County
- March 14, 1993: 20 inches in Murray County
- Feb. 10, 1973: 14.8 inches in Jefferson County
- Jan. 23, 1940: 8.3 inches in Atlanta (highest on record for the city of Atlanta)
Traffic on Interstate 75/85 deals with snow and ice conditions on January 28, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. A rare winter storm has brought ice and snow across the southern states closing schools and stranding motorists.(Photo by Prince Williams/Getty Im
Stay Updated
Residents should continue to monitor forecasts as January progresses. While viral posts and maps may spark excitement, it’s best to rely on official updates for accurate and timely information.
If you haven't downloaded the FOX 5 Storm Team weather app, this might be the perfect time to do so.