So, if you're looking at the atlanta weather for next week, honestly, get ready for a bit of a rollercoaster. It’s that classic Georgia winter vibe where you might need a heavy parka at 7:00 AM and find yourself carrying it like a giant, annoying teddy bear by 2:00 PM. We are currently staring down a week that starts with a soggy mess and ends with some seriously crisp, clear air.
The high-level view? It's cold. But not "the world is ending" cold—just typical North Georgia January stuff.
What to actually expect from Atlanta weather for next week
Starting Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the sky is looking pretty moody. We’ve got a high of 52°F, but don’t let that semi-decent number fool you. There is a solid 35% chance of light rain during the day. Then things get weird. As the sun goes down, that temperature is going to crater to about 28°F. If you’re out late, keep an eye on the windshield; there’s a 20% chance of a few snow flurries mixing in overnight. It won't be enough to build a snowman, but it's enough to make the local news go into a frenzy.
Thursday is basically the "recovery day." The clouds clear out, and it’ll be sunny, but the high is only hitting 35°F. Northwest winds at 15 mph are going to make that feel more like 25°F. It's the kind of day where the air feels sharp. You know that feeling? When your nose hairs feel like they're turning into tiny icicles the moment you step out of the house? Yeah, that’s Thursday.
The Friday Warm-up (Sorta)
Friday starts ice-cold with a low of 25°F, but the afternoon recovers to a high of 49°F. It’s a massive swing. If you're commuting on the Downtown Connector or heading toward the Perimeter, the morning visibility should be great, but by Friday night, a new system moves in. We’re looking at a 70% chance of rain after dark. If you have dinner plans in Buckhead or Virginia-Highland, bring the umbrella.
Saturday follows up with a "meh" kind of day. Partly sunny, high of 48°F, low of 32°F. It’s probably the best day for a walk at Piedmont Park if you don't mind the chill.
Why the metro area is still on edge
Just a few days ago, on January 10, the National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed an EF-1 tornado touched down in Carroll County. That storm system moved right through the metro area, causing heavy damage south of the city. While the atlanta weather for next week doesn't currently show any severe storm threats like that, the ground is already saturated.
Minor flooding in creeks and streams is still a thing right now across North Georgia. If we get that heavy rain on Friday night, those water levels could jump back up. It’s worth noting that while January is usually "dry and comfortable" according to historical averages, the start of 2026 has been anything but. We’re seeing a transition toward ENSO-neutral conditions from a weak La Niña, and that usually means more variability.
Real-world impacts for your week
- At the Pump: Gas prices in Atlanta are sitting around $2.71 for regular unleaded. That’s a penny higher than last week but way cheaper than this time last year. If you're planning a weekend trip to the mountains, fill up in the city—metro markets like Athens and Savannah are actually a bit pricier right now.
- Natural Gas: If you're worried about your heating bill, there's a bit of good news. The EIA lowered its price forecast for the first quarter of 2026 because January has been milder than usual on average, despite these specific cold snaps.
- Driving: Thursday morning will be the biggest challenge. With temperatures dropping to 25°F after Wednesday's rain, black ice on bridges and overpasses is a genuine risk. I-285 is notorious for this.
The takeaway on the forecast
Basically, you’ve got two different weeks happening at once. The first half is wet and unpredictable, while the second half is dry and bitterly cold. It is typical Georgia. One day you're dodging raindrops, and the next you're scraping frost off your mirrors.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your tire pressure on Thursday morning; the sudden drop from 52°F to 25°F will likely trigger your "low pressure" light.
- If you have outdoor plants, Friday night is the time to bring them in or cover them, as the 25°F low will be a hard freeze.
- Monitor the NWS Peachtree City updates on Friday afternoon to see if that 70% rain chance turns into something more significant for your Saturday morning drive.