Rain, dangerously cold Arctic air to hit North Georgia

The weekend weather in Atlanta will begin with rainy, damp, and cold conditions, ending with an Arctic blast of frigid air. 

The FOX 5 Storm Team is also tracking rain, freezing cold, and the threat of snow or other winter precipitation next week.

When will it rain in Atlanta?

Timeline:

Rain showers are expected to begin in the overnight hours Friday night, moving into metro Atlanta and the rest of Georgia by early Saturday morning. 

FOX 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Laurann Robinson explained, "By around 2 a.m., we're starting to see those light rain showers move their way in from the northwest, and by 6 or 7 in the morning, we're looking for some heavier, more consistent rain showers across metro Atlanta and North Georgia."

Overnight lows on Friday night will range from the middle 30s in the northern mountains to the lower to middle 40s across metro Atlanta and southern Georgia. 

Saturday afternoon highs will reach the middle 50s, which is seasonal for this time of year. Rain showers will dominate the morning, with periods of heavy rainfall across North Georgia. By the evening, showers will taper off, moving southeast toward the Florida Panhandle.

Sunday will bring drier conditions with some sunshine and colder temperatures. Drier conditions are expected, with lingering cloud cover in the morning giving way to some sunshine later in the day. Temperatures will remain chilly.

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How much will it rain?

What we know:

Georgia is entering a period of significant weather changes, from mild and dry conditions today to widespread rain on Saturday and a potential wintry mix early next week. These changes are driven by the interaction of subtropical and polar jet streams, as well as the influence of Arctic high-pressure systems.

A low-pressure system forming in the southern Great Plains is responsible for the incoming rain. This system will tap into moisture and move eastward, bringing widespread rain across the state on Saturday.

Rainfall amounts are expected to range from a half inch to a full inch, with heavier totals possible in certain areas such as Canton. Laurann Robinson noted, "Metro Atlanta could see over half an inch. The same goes for Gainesville and Athens, as well as Covington."

Robinson emphasized the progression of weather changes: "Cloud cover actually helps keep our atmosphere a little bit warmer at the surface. But during the overnight hours, rain showers will push into Metro Atlanta and the rest of Georgia."

While the rain won’t bring severe weather, heavy and consistent showers could cause localized flooding, especially in areas prone to poor drainage.

Arctic blast to freeze North Georgia

What's next:

Arctic air will settle into the region early next week, bringing dangerously cold temperatures. Robinson stated, "MLK Day...it's going to be chilly there. Those temperatures in the 30s."

A wintry mix of precipitation may affect the region on Tuesday into Wednesday, although uncertainty remains about timing, amounts, and impacts. Robinson noted, "Temperatures during the day may be colder than currently forecast if wintry precipitation is falling."

The region will experience dangerously cold temperatures starting Monday, with lows in the teens and 20s. A potential winter weather event is being monitored from Tuesday into Wednesday.

Will it snow next week?

What we don't know:

Small changes in the forecast could mean the difference between rain and significant snow or ice accumulations. Staying informed is crucial.

How to prepare for this freezing weather

What you can do:

The anticipated cold temperatures can pose a threat to vulnerable populations and unprotected outdoor water systems. 

Additionally, a possible wintry mix next week could disrupt travel and daily routines. 

Residents should plan for the cold weather by protecting pipes, plants, pets, and people. 

If traveling on Tuesday or Wednesday, plan ahead for possible delays or hazardous road conditions.

Check on neighbors, especially those who may need assistance during the extreme cold.

Keep an eye on updates regarding the potential for wintry precipitation.

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The Source: This article is based on original forecasting by the FOX 5 Storm Team.

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