Northwest Georgia residents can expect a couple more days of mild November weather before two cold fronts bring a dramatic drop in temperatures, with the coldest conditions of the season so far expected this weekend.

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City says temperatures could fall 15 to 20 degrees below normal by the weekend, bringing widespread frost and freezing conditions to much of North Georgia. Overnight lows in Chattooga County are expected to drop into the upper 20s Friday and Saturday nights.

Before the cold air arrives, Tuesday will bring mostly sunny skies and a high near 73 degrees. Winds will be calm, and temperatures tonight will fall to around 43 degrees under mostly clear skies.

Veterans Day on Wednesday is expected to be another mild and sunny day, with a high near 71 degrees. Winds will increase slightly during the afternoon, with gusts reaching 15 miles per hour. Those planning to attend outdoor Veterans Day ceremonies and parades should enjoy favorable weather conditions.

Changes begin Wednesday night as a weather system moves into the Southeast. The National Weather Service forecasts a 20 percent chance of showers Wednesday night, with temperatures dropping to around 51 degrees.

The first cold front will move through the area Thursday, bringing cooler temperatures and gusty northwest winds. Thursday’s high will reach only about 63 degrees, with winds of 5 to 15 miles per hour and gusts as high as 25 miles per hour. Thursday night will be partly cloudy, with a low near 36 degrees.

A second cold front is expected to move through Friday, bringing an even colder air mass into Northwest Georgia. Friday will be sunny, but afternoon temperatures will struggle to reach 52 degrees.

The coldest conditions are expected Friday night into Saturday morning and again Saturday night into Sunday morning. Forecast lows are around 29 degrees on both nights, with widespread frost and freezing conditions likely.

Saturday will be sunny with a high near 54 degrees, while Sunday will bring sunshine and a high near 58. Temperatures will remain chilly Sunday night, with a low around 33 degrees. Monday’s high is expected to reach around 59 degrees under mostly sunny skies.

The National Weather Service says the upcoming cold spell will be the coldest of the fall season so far. Although temperatures will be considerably below normal for mid-November, forecasters note that the timing is close to the historical average for the first fall freeze in North Georgia.

Residents with outdoor plants and gardens should make preparations to protect vegetation from freezing temperatures. Homeowners should also take precautions with exposed outdoor water lines, and pet owners should make arrangements to keep animals protected from the cold.

Despite the sharp drop in temperatures, the weekend is expected to remain dry, with mostly clear skies and plenty of sunshine during the daytime hours.