Frigid Temps To Freeze GA: Latest Forecast

ATLANTA, GA — Frosty the Snowman may not arrive in Georgia this season, but weather officials say frosty temperatures may be coming to the southern state this week as winter unofficially starts.

The cold blast hailed from Canada before shifting to the Midwest and moving into Georgia, National Weather Service meteorologist Sam Marlow told Patch on Monday.

A couple of dry fronts came into Georgia from the north-northwest regions, Marlow said.

Low temperatures in the 20s, possibly dropping into the teens, are forecast this week in north and central Georgia. The predicted temperatures in the upper teens are anticipated in low-lying areas that could grip cold air overnight, Marlow said.

He warned Georgians that the colder air "is gonna cool you off a little bit quicker than you expect."

Meteorological winter began Dec. 1, and astronomical winter begins on Dec. 21 — which is the date of the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year.

Not wearing protection in the frigid weather could be hazardous to residents, however, layers should not put residents at "too much of a risk" for hypothermia, Marlow said.

Unprotected pipes could cause trouble. Marlow said a water main leak, if it bursts, could lead to icing on the roads. The roads should be mostly dry as no rain is expected.

As the week goes on, high temperatures could heat up into the high 40s or low 50s.

The NWS provided the following extreme cold safety tips:

• Minimize travel.
• Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold.
• Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel.
• Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster, etc.
• Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts.
• Check on the elderly.
• Bring pets inside.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing and a hat.
• Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
• Try to stay dry and out of the wind.

The weekend weather was uncertain on Monday.

Around 11:30 a.m. Monday, the National Weather Service predicted the following detailed forecast for metro Atlanta:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 47. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Tonight: Widespread frost after 3 a.m. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 26. Northwest wind 5-10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Tuesday: Widespread frost before 9 a.m. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 42. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Tuesday Night: Widespread frost after 10 p.m. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 25. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday: Widespread frost before 9 a.m. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 51. Light southwest wind increasing to 5-10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.

Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 53.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 26.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 46.

Friday Night: Widespread frost after 1 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Widespread frost. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 48.

Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.