High Fire Risks, Extreme Cold And Showers Target GA: Latest Forecast

ATLANTA, GA — On Thursday, weather officials warn of high fire risks in north and central Georgia and extreme cold in the state's southeastern region.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement for Bartow, Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, Douglas, Rockdale, Fayette, Cherokee, Barrow and several other counties.

In the statement, the NWS said high fire danger conditions exist for these areas Thursday afternoon and evening due to low relative humidities of 25 percent or less.

Northwest wind speeds of 10-15 mph are expected to be accompanied by gusts up to 25 mph.

The NWS urged residents to check with their local authorities regarding burn permits, though weather officials encourage people to use extreme caution when burning outdoors.

Meanwhile, in and near Chatham County, excessively cold temperatures are anticipated Thursday and into the weekend.

Forecasted low temperatures are in the 30s through Saturday night along the coast.

In metro Atlanta, temperatures will dip into the 20s on Thursday and Friday nights, according to the NWS forecast.

Widespread frost may chill the metro Saturday night into Sunday, but by Sunday night, showers could arrive in the area and last through Wednesday.

As of around 10:30 a.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service predicted the following detailed forecast for metro Atlanta:

Today: Mostly cloudy early, then gradual clearing, with a temperature rising to near 50 by noon, then falling to around 42 during the remainder of the day. Northwest wind 15-20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 23. Northwest wind 5-15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 41. Northwest wind 5-10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Northwest wind 5-10 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Saturday Night: Widespread frost, mainly after 5 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Sunday: Widespread frost, mainly before 7 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 58.

Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Monday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 61. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Monday Night: Showers. Low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Tuesday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.