Georgia is on high alert as an impending winter storm approaches, and while much of North Georgia will see frozen precipitation over the next 48 hours, Northwest Georgia’s risk remains lower than areas to the east. Expect cloudy skies and periods of light rain today, a brief wintry mix potential Saturday morning before changing back to rain, the highest concern for freezing rain Saturday night into Sunday morning (especially on Lookout Mountain), and then the bigger story: bitterly cold Arctic air arriving to start next week.
Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia are under elevated fire danger today due to very low humidity and dry air combining with northwest winds this afternoon and evening, while a separate storm system later this week may bring rain and an increasing risk of impactful wintry weather over the weekend.
Sunshine rules the day across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, as temperatures stay below freezing through the early morning with lows in the low 20s and even upper teens in the higher elevations. While the biggest black ice concern is tied to places that still have leftover moisture from yesterday’s precipitation, drivers around northwest Georgia should still be cautious on bridges, shaded roads, and spots that don’t see early sunlight. The good news is that ample sunshine will help temperatures rebound quickly, pushing readings above freezing by mid-morning and fading any lingering slick-spot risk before late morning.
Snow is expected to remain to the east and south of Chattooga County, while local residents see a colder, quieter stretch of weather through early next week. Cloudy skies will hang on through midmorning today before gradual clearing takes over, with temperatures topping out near 41 degrees. A west wind of 5 to 10 mph will add a bite at times, with gusts that could reach 20 mph.
Northwest Georgia is entering the heart of the state’s most active wildfire season, which typically stretches from January through April, and officials say this year is lining up with that familiar trend. Dry vegetation, gusty winds, and low humidity can combine quickly to turn a small spark into a fast-moving fire — especially during warm, breezy afternoons.
With freezing temperatures in the forecast, the City of Summerville is urging residents to take a few simple steps now to help prevent frozen and bursting pipes during the cold snap.
City officials recommend dripping faucets with a very thin stream of water — about the size of a pencil lead — especially for fixtures on exterior walls. Residents are also encouraged to open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors so warmer indoor air can circulate around plumbing that may be tucked against outside walls.
Another important step is disconnecting garden hoses from outdoor spigots. If available, insulated foam covers can also be placed over exterior faucets to help reduce freezing risk. The city also reminds households to make sure everyone knows where the main water shut-off valve is located, so water can be turned off quickly if a pipe bursts.
For questions or assistance, residents can contact the City of Summerville at 706-859-0900.
A cold front is pushing into Northwest Georgia this morning, bringing periods of light, hit-or-miss showers as it advances south and east. In Chattooga County, the pattern favors scattered rain that becomes more broken and less organized through the day, with rainfall amounts generally staying on the lighter side. Temperatures will remain chilly but typical for mid-January, with afternoon readings mainly in the 50s across much of Northwest Georgia outside of the higher terrain.
Light Rain Returns Tonight for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, With a Low-Confidence Winter Storm Signal This Weekend
Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia are in for a blustery, sharply colder day Thursday, January 15, 2026, as dry air pours in behind a cold front. Forecasters say northwest wind gusts of 20–30 mph will combine with very low humidity this afternoon, creating elevated fire danger conditions across North and Central Georgia.
A fresh blast of arctic air is sliding into Northwest Georgia, and Thursday morning (Jan. 15) is shaping up to be the coldest stretch of the week for Chattooga County and surrounding communities. Forecasters say biting wind chills between 0° and 15°F are expected across north Georgia as breezy northwest winds follow a passing cold front, making it feel far colder than the thermometer suggests.










