Honestly, if you’ve lived in Georgia for more than five minutes, you know the drill. You wake up needing a parka and by lunch you’re considering short sleeves. It's weird. But right now, things are getting a bit more serious than just "typical Georgia mood swings."
We're looking at a 14 day atlanta forecast that actually has some teeth.
Right now, as of Sunday, January 18, 2026, the city is sitting under a bright sun, but don't let that fool you. It's 41°F out there, and with a northwest wind kicking at 11 mph, it feels more like 35°F. If you’re heading out to Centennial Olympic Park or just grabbing coffee in Midtown, you're going to feel that bite.
The Immediate Chill and Why It Matters
The city has already started opening warming centers, specifically at places like the Central Park Recreation Center on Merritts Ave. That’s usually the first sign that the "mild South" narrative is taking a backseat.
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Tonight is going to be a cold one. We’re looking at a low of 29°F.
Monday, January 19—MLK Day—will be beautiful but crisp. Expect a high of 46°F and a low of 26°F. If you're attending the commemorative services or the march, definitely layer up. The sun will be out, but that northwest wind isn't going anywhere just yet.
Tuesday stays in that same lane. High of 44°F, low of 26°F. It's stable. It's dry. It's basically the calm before the moisture arrives.
Breaking Down the Next Two Weeks
Things get "fun" (or messy, depending on your commute) starting Wednesday, January 21.
The clouds move in, and we're looking at a high of 52°F. But check the overnight: there’s a 35% chance of rain as the temperature drops. This is that classic Atlanta setup where we dance right on the edge of the freezing line.
- Thursday, Jan 22: A bit warmer, hitting 55°F.
- Friday, Jan 23: Mostly cloudy, high of 56°F.
- The Weekend (Jan 24-25): We see a climb to 59°F on Saturday before a dip back to 49°F on Sunday.
Rain is the main player here. Saturday and Sunday both carry significant cloud cover and light rain chances. It’s not a washout, but it’s definitely "indoor activities" weather.
The Snow Factor in the 14 day atlanta forecast
Everyone wants to know if it’s going to snow.
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Look, central Georgia (down toward Macon) is actually under winter storm warnings right now for several inches of heavy, wet snow. Atlanta? We’re mostly seeing the cold side of that system without the accumulation. For the next week, the 14 day atlanta forecast shows mostly rain during the wet periods.
Monday, January 26, looks like the wettest day on the horizon. We’ve got a 65% chance of rain with a high of 51°F. Once that system clears, the bottom drops out again.
By Wednesday, January 28, we’re looking at a high of only 43°F and a frigid low of 24°F. That is well below the average January low of 33°F.
What the Experts are Watching
The National Weather Service office in Peachtree City has been highlighting the "anomalous" nature of these back-to-back cold snaps. While Atlanta's average high in January is usually around 52°F, we are spending a lot of time in the mid-40s this month.
It’s not just "cold for the South." It’s actually cold.
The Farmer’s Almanac and other long-range outlooks suggested a colder-than-normal January for the Southeast, and so far, 2026 is delivering on that promise. We're seeing a "firm turn to colder trends" in the East while the West stays warm.
Survival Tips for the Atlanta Winter
Don't be that person stuck on I-284 if the rain turns to ice.
- Check your tires. Cold air makes tire pressure drop.
- Drip the pipes. If we're hitting 24°F on the 28th, those older houses in Virginia-Highland are going to need it.
- Watch the wind chill. 45°F sounds fine until the wind is gusting at 20 mph.
This 14 day window is basically a rollercoaster. We go from the 40s to the late 50s and then crash back into the 20s. It's exhausting for your sinuses and your wardrobe.
Stay updated with the local feeds. The City of Atlanta usually announces warming center extensions 24 hours in advance. If you're traveling south toward Macon or Columbus this week, keep a much closer eye on the radar—they are getting the "white stuff" that we are currently missing out on.
Keep your layers handy and maybe finally buy that decent ice scraper you've been putting off. You’ll likely need it at least twice before February rolls around.
Actionable Insights:
Check your home's insulation and exposed pipes before the January 28th cold snap hits. Stock up on basic supplies if you plan to travel south of the city, as road conditions near Macon will be significantly worse due to the ongoing winter storm.