Atlanta weather is notoriously fickle, but the next week is looking like a straight-up roller coaster that even Six Flags would find intimidating. If you’ve stepped outside today, January 16, you already know. It is 26°F right now. That isn't just "chilly"—it's the kind of cold that makes your car engine groan and your morning coffee turn lukewarm in three minutes flat.
Honestly, it’s a weird day. We’re starting with a crisp, clear morning and a 1 mph breeze from the west, basically a standstill. But don’t let the sunny high of 52°F today fool you. By tonight, the clouds move in, and we’re looking at a 65% chance of light rain with the temperature bottoming out at 25°F.
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The Weather Atlanta 10 Day Outlook: A Messy Transition
Everyone wants to know if it’s going to snow. I get it. The "S" word is the ultimate conversation starter in Georgia. Looking at the weather Atlanta 10 day forecast, we’re seeing a classic southern winter battle between arctic air and Gulf moisture.
Saturday, January 17, brings a mix of mostly cloudy skies and a 25% chance of rain during the day. The high stays around 51°F, but the overnight low of 33°F is the real story. There’s a slight 10% chance of snow on Saturday night. It’s not much, but in this city, a 10% chance of snow is enough to make the bread and milk aisles disappear.
Sunday gets even colder. We’re talking a high of only 42°F. It’ll be sunny, sure, but that northwest wind at 9 mph will make it feel significantly sharper. If you’re planning on being out for the MLK holiday weekend, you’re going to need the heavy wool socks.
Why the Warming Centers are Opening
The City of Atlanta isn't taking chances. Mayor Andre Dickens’ office has already activated warming centers at Old Adamsville Recreation Center and Selena S. Butler Park. When the lows hit 25°F like they will on Monday, January 19, the danger isn't just "uncomfortable"—it’s a public health priority.
Monday and Tuesday are shaping up to be the coldest stretch of this 10-day window.
- Monday: Sunny, high of 46°F, low of 25°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny, high of 41°F, low of 25°F.
The air is going to be incredibly dry, too. We're seeing humidity levels drop to 29% by Tuesday. Expect some static shocks and maybe keep the lotion handy.
Humidity, Wind, and the Mid-Week Shift
Just when you think you’ve settled into the deep freeze, Atlanta does its thing. By Wednesday, January 21, the wind shifts to the southwest. This brings in a bit of a "warm" front, pushing the high back up to 53°F. It’s a slow crawl back to normalcy, or at least what passes for it in January.
Thursday and Friday (Jan 22-23) see the clouds returning. We’re looking at highs of 57°F and 61°F respectively. It sounds nice, right? Well, the trade-off is the humidity jumping back up to the 50-60% range and rain chances creeping back into the picture.
By the time we hit next Saturday, January 24, the "spring-like" warmth is back with a high of 63°F, but it comes with a 75% chance of showers at night. It’s that classic Atlanta cycle: freeze, thaw, soak, repeat.
Historical Context: Is This Normal?
Technically, yes. Atlanta’s average high in January is about 54°F. We’re hovering right around that, though the 25°F lows we’re seeing this week are definitely on the "brisk" side of the spectrum. According to data from Hartsfield-Jackson (KATL), this January has been a bit of a tug-of-war between the unseasonable 70s we had earlier in the month and this current arctic intrusion.
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Survival Tips for the Next 10 Days
Don't be that person who gets caught with a burst pipe. When the forecast says 25°F for three nights in a row, it’s time to take it seriously.
- Drip those faucets. Especially the ones on exterior walls. It feels like an old wives' tale until you're calling a plumber on a Sunday morning.
- Layers are your best friend. The 20-degree swing between the morning low and afternoon high today is massive. A heavy coat for the commute and a lighter sweater for the afternoon is the move.
- Check the tires. Cold air makes tire pressure drop. If your "low air" light came on this morning, it’s probably just the 26°F air doing its thing.
- Bring the pets inside. If it's too cold for you, it's definitely too cold for them.
The weather Atlanta 10 day forecast shows us that while the "Big One" (snow-wise) might not be hitting us this week, the cold is definitely here to stay for a bit. Stay warm, keep an eye on those Saturday night flurries, and maybe keep an umbrella in the car for the rainy return of the 60s next weekend.
The most important takeaway for the next few days is the sheer volatility. We are swinging from a 25°F low on Tuesday to a 63°F high by Saturday. That kind of temperature jump can be tough on the immune system and your HVAC unit. Make sure your filters are clean and you're staying hydrated despite the cold.