Atlanta's Arctic air impact: Uncertainty looms over MLK weekend forecast

ATLANTA – Residents across Georgia can expect a mix of rain, cold, and the possibility of snowflakes in the coming days as winter weather patterns continue to shift. 

What we know:

According to FOX 5 Storm Team Chief Meteorologist David Chandley, widespread rain is forecast for the weekend, with extreme northern areas possibly seeing snowflakes late Sunday into Monday. Significant snow accumulation is not expected.

“Yeah, this go-around into the weekend, really, we’re just going to see some rain across North Georgia,” Chandley stated. He added that next week’s forecast remains uncertain, with Arctic air potentially influencing weather conditions. “We’ve got a whole week to kind of hash that out. All the things can change.”

The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday will likely be chilly but dry for much of Georgia. “It’s going to be chilly, but it looks like dry conditions for the MLK holiday celebration,” Chandley explained.

In metro Atlanta, Tuesday could bring a slight chance of wintry precipitation as temperatures drop. “January is very active, no doubt about it,” Chandley noted.

Metro Atlanta forecast

• Tonight: Partly cloudy, low near 30°F.
• Wednesday: Sunny, high around 48°F.
• Thursday: Sunny, breezy, high near 53°F.
• Friday Night to Saturday: Rain moves in late Friday, with showers likely Saturday. Highs in the mid-50s.
• Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high near 48°F. A few snowflakes possible in extreme North Georgia late.
• MLK Day (Monday): Mostly sunny, high near 37°F. A slight chance of rain or snow.

Extreme North Georgia Mountains forecast

• Tonight: Partly cloudy, low near 20°F.
• Wednesday: Sunny, high near 42°F.
• Thursday: Sunny, breezy, high near 46°F.
• Friday Night to Saturday: Showers likely Friday night into Saturday, high near 49°F.
• Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, low near 20°F.
• MLK Day (Monday): Slight chance of snow, mostly sunny, high near 34°F.

Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., the snow should move out before noon for the swearing-in ceremony on Capitol Hill. Highs will be in the 20s and lows will be around 12 degrees under mostly cloudy skies.

Possible snow in Georgia?

What we don’t know:

While the immediate forecast is becoming clearer, there is still uncertainty surrounding next week’s weather patterns. FOX 5 Meteorologist Jonathan Stacey highlighted the potential for snow but emphasized that forecasts remain in flux. “I know many of you are thinking about some snow because you’re hearing about some snow,” Stacey said. “At this point, all we can do is just pay attention and see what’s out there. As we get closer, we’ll look for consistency.”

Key questions remain:

• Will Arctic air and other weather systems converge to create snow across Georgia?
• How might fluctuating temperatures impact the likelihood of wintry precipitation?

Snow next week?

Timeline:

Here is a look at the timeline of weather for the next week:

• Tuesday: Slight chance of wintry precipitation in metro Atlanta as temperatures drop.
• Friday Night to Saturday: Rain moves into the region.
• Sunday to Monday: Snowflakes possible in extreme North Georgia; the rest of the state remains chilly with mostly dry conditions.
• MLK Day: Chilly but dry conditions for holiday celebrations.

What’s next:

Meteorologists will continue monitoring weather models throughout the week. Residents are encouraged to stay updated via trusted local forecasts, including FOX 5, and prepare for any changes in the weather as Arctic air moves closer. “All we can do is just pay attention,” Jonathan Stacey advised, underscoring the importance of staying alert to new developments.