Atlanta Georgia Weather: Why Most People Get the Snow Forecast Wrong

Atlanta Georgia Weather: Why Most People Get the Snow Forecast Wrong

Honestly, if you've lived in Atlanta for more than a week, you know the drill. Someone mentions a "flurry" and suddenly the Kroger on Ponce is out of milk and bread.

But today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, is actually a bit of a weird one.

We aren't looking at a total Snowmageddon situation, but the Atlanta Georgia weather is definitely doing that thing where it teases us with a winter chill that feels way more intense than the thermometer says.

The Real Numbers Right Now

Right now, it's about 34°F out there. If you're stepping out for a coffee or walking the dog, just know it feels more like 29°F.

That five-degree difference is all thanks to a steady 7 mph wind coming in from the west. It’s biting.

The humidity is sitting at 41%, which is actually quite dry for us. It’s that crisp, lung-stinging winter air that makes your knuckles crack if you forget the lotion.

The Highs, the Lows, and the "Will it Snow?"

So, here is the deal for the rest of the day.

The peak temperature for this Sunday is only hitting 41°F. That is the high.

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Tonight, things get even more "Georgia Winter" as we dip down to a low of 29°F.

The city has actually opened up warming centers—like the one at Central Park Recreation Center on Merritts Ave—because let's be real, 29 degrees is no joke for people who aren't prepared.

The Snow Situation

Everyone wants to know about the white stuff.

The official forecast for today shows a 10% chance of snow during the daytime. That is basically the weather version of "maybe, but probably not."

However, earlier this morning, there was a Winter Weather Advisory for parts of the metro area.

National Weather Service (NWS) experts from the Peachtree City office have been tracking a system moving in from the Gulf.

While the I-85 corridor (that’s us) has seen increased chances for a few flakes, they aren't expecting "accumulating" snow right in the heart of the city.

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Basically, if you see a stray flake, consider yourself lucky (or cursed, depending on your commute).

Wind and Sun

Even though it’s "sunny" right now, don't let the blue sky fool you.

The wind is expected to pick up to about 12 mph coming from the northwest.

That means if you’re standing in the shade, you’re going to be miserable.

The UV index is at a 3, which is moderate. You won't burn, but the sun is actually doing some work to keep us from feeling like we're in the Arctic.

What Most People Get Wrong About Atlanta Forecasts

People often think that if it’s above 32°F, snow is impossible.

That's just not how it works here.

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Meteorologists like Eboni Deon have been pointing out that while temperatures are trending slightly above freezing during the precipitation hours, we can still get "heavy wet snow" on the backside of these systems.

The "refreeze" is the real villain.

When the sun goes down and that 41-degree high vanishes, any moisture on the roads turns into black ice.

That is why the advisory exists.

It’s not always about how many inches are on the grass; it’s about that invisible layer of ice on the bridges over I-75.

Planning Your Evening

If you're heading out tonight:

  • The sun sets at 5:54 PM.
  • The sky will be clear, which means the heat escapes into the atmosphere even faster.
  • Expect a "feels like" temperature in the mid-20s by 9:00 PM.

The city is keeping the Selina S. Butler Park and Central Park centers open for those who need a place to stay warm. If you have neighbors who are vulnerable, maybe check in on them.

Actionable Steps for the Rest of Today

Don't just watch the porch light for snow. Do these things instead:

  1. Check the tire pressure. Cold air makes your "low tire" light pop on. It's science.
  2. Drip the faucets. If your pipes are on an exterior wall and you're hitting that 29-degree low tonight, a tiny drip saves a massive plumbing bill.
  3. Bring the pets in. If it's too cold for you in a light jacket, it’s too cold for them.
  4. Watch the bridges. If you have to drive late tonight or early Monday morning, treat every overpass like it's a skating rink.

Tomorrow looks like it’ll be sunny with a high of 44°F, so we just have to get through this one chilly Sunday night. Stay warm, Atlanta.