The National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia says Northwest Georgia will shift from cool, clear conditions to increased precipitation starting today through Saturday. As the morning begins, residents can expect mostly clear skies, with low temperatures ranging from the upper 20s to mid-30s across the region. Patchy frost is also likely this morning. High temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 50s in Northwest Georgia, thanks to a weak upper ridge and surface high pressure that will maintain mild weather throughout the day. However, as the evening approaches, a long-wave trough from the upper Midwest will converge with a shortwave over Oklahoma, bringing a cold front southward toward the Lower Mississippi Valley. This front will travel into Georgia overnight, triggering increased chances for rain.

By sunrise Saturday, widespread showers are anticipated across Northwest Georgia, with low temperatures dropping into the mid-40s for most areas. In the highest elevations of far Northeast Georgia, temperatures could plummet to the mid-30s, where a light mix of rain and snow may occur before transitioning to all rain by mid-morning. Rainfall totals from this system are forecasted to range from 0.5 to 0.75 inches, with little concern for flooding. While thunderstorms are not expected, isolated rumbles of thunder could occur.

Looking ahead to the long-term forecast, a significant temperature drop is expected by Monday as an Arctic high pressure system moves into the area. Highs will plummet to the 20’s, with elevated regions potentially seeing highs in the teens. Lows Monday morning are projected to fall into the low teens, possibly single digits, with breezy conditions creating wind chills that may feel like zero or below for several hours.

As next week progresses, the potential for another round of winter weather will be monitored, with forecasters keeping a close eye on the development of moisture along the coast that could affect precipitation patterns across Georgia.