The National Weather Service warns that residents of Northwest Georgia should prepare for a significant drop in temperatures due to cold Arctic air moving into the region over the next week to ten days. A dry front is expected to come through on Friday, bringing another wave of cold air.

Starting tonight, Arctic air will enter Northwestern Georgia, causing temperatures to fall into the 20s, with some areas in East Central Georgia hitting the 30s. On Saturday, high temperatures are predicted to be in the 40s and 50s, while high pressure keeps conditions pleasant.

Starting Sunday into Monday, a sharp wave is forecasted to move into the southern Great Plains, bringing moisture and a surface low across Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. This may challenge the cold air at the surface, likely resulting in mostly cold rain, with light snow or sleet possible initially in North Georgia. Mountain areas may experience different weather, potentially seeing light frozen precipitation.

Long-term forecasts suggest more extremely cold air could follow, with predictions indicating temperatures could fall 5-10 degrees and possibly even 20 degrees below average. The National Weather Service stresses the importance of staying updated on the changing conditions.