The cold is here, Atlanta. But the good news is that warmer weather is coming, according to forecasters.
But first, frigid weather will linger through Tuesday, when high temperatures are expected to only reach the low 40s. Temps will plummet back into the 20s overnight into Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
“Definitely make sure you’re bundled up as you’re headed out and about, and don’t let all that sunshine fool you because we will see plenty of it,” Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Eboni Deon said. “It’s going to brighten up nicely as we go through the day, but those temperatures will struggle.”
The temperature at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was 27 degrees just before 8 a.m. Tuesday. The winds, which are expected to reach 20-25 mph, will make it feel even colder, Deon said.
The dry, breezy conditions prompted the Weather Service to issue a red flag warning for an increased risk of fire danger Tuesday afternoon and evening.
“Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged as any fires that develop could be expected to spread rapidly,” the NWS posted on social media.
Metro Atlanta firefighters were on alert for any blazes that typically keep them busy when temperatures drop and people seek warmth.
Temperatures will gradually warm up as the week progresses, just in time for the new year. On Wednesday, temps will climb into the low 50s before dropping to near freezing later on New Year’s Eve, according to meteorologists.
Credit: Ben Hendren
Credit: Ben Hendren
Expect mostly sunny skies and a high of 58 degrees Thursday, Deon said.
Conditions should be dry most of the week, according to forecasters. Rain is expected to move into the metro area late Friday.
The drastic cooldown started Monday in metro Atlanta. Just a few days ago, it felt like spring.
On Saturday, Atlanta hit a record 79 degrees, according to Weather Service data. The previous record for that day was 75 degrees, set in 2015.
On Christmas Eve, Atlanta temperatures rose to 78 degrees, smashing a record of 73 degrees set in 2016. according to the Weather Service.
The average high for this time of year is around 54 degrees.
The cold snap prompted several counties to open warming centers for those in need.
The city of Atlanta’s centers are slated to reopen at 8 p.m. Tuesday.
DeKalb County’s warming centers will open again at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Transportation to the centers will be available from Frontline Response International at 2585 Gresham Road in Atlanta.
In Cobb County, the Must Ministries Hope House will again open its warming station Tuesday and Wednesday. Those wishing to use the shelter are asked to arrive by 8 p.m. to the site at 1297 Bells Ferry Road in Marietta.
Warming stations will open in Gwinnett from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Wednesday.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
