Right now, if you step outside in Atlanta, it basically feels like a brick to the face. Honestly. We’re sitting at a crisp 28°F as of Thursday night, January 15, 2026. But that number is a total liar. Because of a steady 5 mph wind coming out of the west, the "feels like" temperature is actually hovering around 23°F.
It’s bone-dry too. Humidity is at 53%, which sounds high until you realize it’s 11:00 PM and there’s zero cloud cover. Just a wide-open, clear sky that’s letting every last bit of Georgia heat escape into space.
The Real Deal with Atlanta Temperature Right Now
You’ve probably heard Atlanta called the "City in a Forest." That’s not just a cute marketing slogan; it actually messes with how the temperature hits your skin. Earlier today, we technically hit a high of 35°F. Most locals would tell you it felt way colder because of the northwest gusts that were whipping through the canopy at 15 mph.
If you’re checking the forecast for the rest of the night, keep your pets inside. It’s dropping to a low of 26°F. That’s a "hard freeze" territory for your outdoor succulents and those pipes you probably forgot to wrap back in November.
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Why Atlanta Weather is Never Just One Number
People from the North love to make fun of us when it hits 30 degrees. They don't get it. Atlanta is hilly, and we have these weird microclimates. You might be at 28°F in Midtown, but if you drive ten minutes north to Buckhead or Marietta, you’re looking at a different world.
In fact, over in Cobb County today, the National Weather Service had to put out a hazardous weather outlook because wind chills were dipping toward zero this morning. Zero. That’s not "Southern mild." That’s Arctic.
Check out how the numbers actually look for today:
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- Current Temp: 28°F
- Feels Like: 23°F
- Today's High: 35°F
- Tonight's Low: 26°F
- Wind: 5 mph West (calming down from 15 mph earlier)
- Precipitation: 0% (The snow chance stayed at a measly 5% today—basically just a tease)
The Humidity Factor (and Why It Matters in Winter)
Most people focus on Atlanta’s humidity in July when you can practically wear the air. But in January, it works against you in a different way.
When the air is moist—even in the 40% to 50% range—it conducts heat away from your body faster. A dry 28 degrees in Denver feels like a brisk walk. A 28-degree night in Atlanta feels like it's seeping into your marrow. Experts like Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz have been pointing out that while the dew point is sitting at a tiny 9°F right now, the lack of cloud cover means we don't have a "blanket" to keep us warm.
What to Expect for the Rest of the Week
If you hate this, I have good news. Atlanta is the king of the "Pattern Flip."
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Tomorrow, Friday, the January 16, is going to be a complete 180. We’re looking at a high of 52°F. You’ll see people in Piedmont Park wearing shorts and parkas at the same time. It’s a very Atlanta vibe. By Friday night, though, the clouds move back in, and we’ve got an 80% chance of rain.
Actionable Tips for This Cold Snap
- Drip the Faucets: If your home was built before 1990, don't risk it. A slow drip on the furthest faucet from your water main can save you a $400 plumber visit.
- Check Your Tires: Every time the temp drops 10 degrees, you lose about a pound of pressure. That "low tire" light isn't a glitch; it's physics.
- Layers Over Heavy Coats: Since it’ll jump from 26°F tonight to 52°F tomorrow, don't just wear one giant parka. You’ll be sweating by noon.
- Watch the Wind: The wind is currently light at 5 mph, but it’s expected to pick back up from the South-Southwest tomorrow. This will actually help warm us up.
Atlanta's temperature is a moving target. We’re currently in the middle of a "bitter cold" stretch that the AJC is calling a "brick to the face," but by Monday, we’ll likely be back to our usual January averages of 52°F. Keep your coat handy, but don't pack away the light jackets just yet.