Honestly, if you've lived in Atlanta for more than five minutes, you know the drill. Someone mentions "flurries" and suddenly the Kroger on Ponce is out of bread and milk. It’s basically a local tradition. But looking at the atlanta weather five day forecast starting this Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’re dealing with a weird mix of arctic chill and a very stubborn "will-it-or-won't-it" snow situation.
Right now, it’s about 39°F outside. Feels like 31°F. That northwest wind is cutting right through light jackets, so hopefully you didn't leave the heavy coat in the back of the closet.
The Cold Hard Truth About the Next Few Days
We are currently sitting in the middle of a legit arctic blast. Sunday is topping out at a crisp 40°F, but the real story is what happened overnight. A cold front pushed through, and while the metro area mostly dodged the "heavy" snow—which decided to dump on our friends down in Macon and Columbus instead—we still have a 20% chance of snow showers lingering this morning.
Don't expect a winter wonderland. It’s more of a "blink and you'll miss it" dusting.
The humidity is hovering at 43%, which sounds dry, but that northwest wind at 14 mph makes the air feel much pointier than the thermometer suggests. If you’re heading out to any MLK Day events tomorrow, Monday, January 19, keep the layers on. We’re looking at a high of 43°F and a low of 26°F. It’ll be sunny, sure, but it’s that deceptive "freezer burn" kind of sun.
A Quick Breakdown of the Week
Tuesday is when things get really interesting for the early birds. We’re expecting the coldest morning of the stretch with a low of 24°F. That is "pipes-bursting" territory if you aren't careful. The high only hits 39°F.
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- Wednesday, Jan 21: We shift. The wind flips to the southeast. It gets cloudy. High of 48°F.
- Thursday, Jan 22: Finally, some relief. We might actually see 54°F.
- Friday, Jan 23: Holding steady at 53°F but the clouds are coming back.
Why Atlanta Forecasts Are So Stressful
The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has been working overtime on this one. The problem with an atlanta weather five day forecast in January is the "wedge." Cold air gets trapped against the Appalachian Mountains and just sits there like a stubborn guest who won't leave the party.
One minor shift in moisture from the Gulf and that 10% rain chance on Thursday turns into an ice storm. Historically, January is our coldest month—average highs usually hit 52°F, but we are well below that right now. We aren't just imagining it; this is a genuine cold snap.
What You Actually Need to Do
Stop worrying about the snow and start worrying about the "refreeze." Since we had some moisture moving through this morning, anything left on the roads tonight is going to turn into black ice.
- Check your tires. Cold air makes your tire pressure light come on. It’s not a ghost; it’s just physics.
- Drip those faucets. When it hits 24°F on Tuesday night, those exterior walls get cold fast.
- Watch the overpasses. I-285 is a nightmare on a sunny day; on a 29-degree night with lingering moisture, it’s a skating rink.
By the time we hit the weekend, specifically Saturday the 24th, we’re looking at a high of 55°F and light rain. It’s the classic Georgia "reset"—going from freezing to soggy in 48 hours. Basically, keep the umbrella and the parka in the car. You're gonna need both.
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Actionable Insights for the Week:
- Monday Morning: Check for black ice on side streets before the 7:00 AM commute.
- Tuesday Night: Bring in the pets and cover the sensitive plants; 24°F is the "kill zone" for most Georgia greenery.
- Wednesday Afternoon: A great time to run errands before the clouds and humidity return for the late-week rain.