Right now, the air in Atlanta has that sharp, biting edge that makes you rethink every decision to leave the house. Honestly, if you're looking at the thermometer and seeing 37°F, you’re only getting half the story. The real "brick to the face" moment happens the second you step onto Peachtree Street and that northwest wind hits.
It’s cold. Like, actually cold.
The temperature in Atlanta is currently sitting at 37°F, but with a 13 mph wind coming straight out of the northwest, it actually feels more like 28°F. That’s a massive gap. It’s the kind of weather where your nose starts running before you’ve even reached your car, and if you forgot your gloves, you’re basically out of luck.
We’ve had a string of these arctic fronts lately. While the sun is technically "mostly sunny" right now, don't let those clear blue skies trick you into thinking it's a light jacket kind of day. The humidity is super low—around 32%—which makes the air feel even crispier and thinner than usual.
Why it feels so much colder than the numbers say
Most people check their weather app, see something in the high 30s, and think they can manage with a hoodie. Big mistake. In Atlanta, our "feels like" temperature is the one that actually dictates your day.
Right now, that northwest wind is the real culprit. At 13 mph, it’s just strong enough to strip the heat right off your skin. We aren't seeing any snow yet—the precipitation chance is a solid 0% for the afternoon—but the city is already opening warming centers at places like the Central Park Recreation Center because these temperatures are genuinely dangerous for anyone stuck outside for too long.
The forecast for the rest of today, January 15
If you’re planning on heading out for dinner or catching a late-shift commute, be ready for the bottom to drop out.
- High Temperature: We've basically hit our peak at 37°F.
- The Drop: As soon as the sun goes down, we’re heading toward a low of 24°F.
- Wind Factor: Those northwest gusts aren't going anywhere, staying around 14 mph through the evening.
- Sky Conditions: It’ll stay clear, which sounds nice, but without cloud cover to trap the heat, it’s going to be a frigid night.
Is this normal for a Georgia winter?
Kinda, but it’s definitely on the harsher side for mid-January. Usually, our average high for this time of year is closer to 53°F. Being stuck at 37°F as a daytime high puts us significantly below the curve. We’re nowhere near the record low for January 15—which was a terrifying 9°F back in 1927—but we are definitely feeling the weight of this reinforced arctic air.
There’s been a lot of talk about snow in the mountains or even some flurries reaching the metro area by the weekend. For today, though, it’s just dry, biting cold. The low humidity (which will average around 44% for the full 24-hour cycle) actually creates a bit of a fire danger risk because everything is so parched.
Quick survival tips for this afternoon
If you have to be out, layer up more than you think you need to. A heavy coat is a given, but a scarf to block the wind from hitting your neck will make the 28°F wind chill much more bearable.
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Check on your neighbors, especially those in older homes where the insulation might not be up to the task of fighting off a 24°F night. Also, if you’ve got outdoor pets, bring them in. If it’s too cold for you to stand on the porch for ten minutes, it’s too cold for them to stay out all night.
Basically, stay inside if you can, keep the heater humming, and maybe find a heavy blanket. This cold front is settling in for a bit.
Next Steps for You:
- Drip your faucets: With tonight's low hitting 24°F, it's a good idea to prevent pipe freezes.
- Check the wind chill: Before you head out, look at the "feels like" temp rather than the raw number.
- Layering: Wear a wind-resistant outer shell to combat that 13 mph northwest wind.