Waking up in Henry County is a bit of a guessing game in January. One morning you’re scraping a thin sheet of frost off the windshield, and by lunch, you’ve got the windows down on I-75. It’s weird. Honestly, the weather forecast for McDonough GA often feels like a suggestion rather than a rule, especially when that Georgia "winter" warmth decides to push back against the Arctic air masses trying to slide down from the north.
Right now, we are looking at a classic mid-January split. If you stepped outside early this morning, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, you likely felt that bite in the air. We started at a crisp 31°F or 32°F, which is pretty much spot-on for our historical averages. But don’t let the heavy coat fool you. By this afternoon, we are trending toward a high of 57°F to 60°F.
That’s a nearly 30-degree swing.
That is also why you see people at the Square wearing parkas next to college kids in shorts.
The Mid-Week Shift and What’s Actually Happening
If you’re checking the weather forecast for McDonough GA for the rest of the week, keep an eye on the cloud cover. Today is mostly sunny, but that’s going to change. Tuesday night brings in some humidity—around 77%—and a slight uptick in clouds.
It’s the "calm before the front" kind of vibe.
Most people don't realize that McDonough sits in a specific spot where Gulf moisture likes to hang out. While the National Weather Service out of Peachtree City (the folks who actually run the local radar) handles our alerts, our local microclimate can be slightly more stubborn with fog and low-hanging clouds than downtown Atlanta.
Quick Stats for Today:
- High Temperature: Near 60°F (Warm for Jan!)
- Low Temperature: 31°F (Watch for black ice on backroads early)
- Rain Chance: 0% today, creeping to 10% tonight
- Wind: West at 5-7 mph (Basically a light breeze)
Why January in Henry County is Historically Unpredictable
Data from the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) shows that January is officially our coldest month. But "cold" is a relative term here. Usually, our daily highs hover around 54°F. When we hit 60°F like we're expecting today, it’s a treat, but it often signals that a rain system is moving in from the west.
We aren't exactly in the "Snow Belt."
Statistically, we only get about an inch of snow per year. If even a single flake falls near the Ga. 20 and I-75 interchange, the grocery stores will be cleared of bread and milk in forty-five minutes. You’ve lived here long enough to know the drill.
Realistically, the bigger threat this time of year isn't snow; it's the "mixed bag." We have about a 30% chance of a "wet day" throughout the month. When that rain hits a lingering cold pocket near the ground, things get slick.
Surviving the 2026 Winter Swings
The biggest mistake people make with the weather forecast for McDonough GA is ignoring the dew point. In the summer, the dew point is why we all feel like we’re breathing through a wet rag. In January, it stays low—usually around 33°F—which makes the air feel much colder than the actual thermometer reading.
Basically, if it’s 40 degrees but the wind is kicking at 12 mph, you’re going to feel it in your bones.
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What You Should Actually Do:
- Layer, don't pack: You need a shell for the 30°F morning and something breathable for the 60°F afternoon.
- Watch the "Cross-Country" Storms: There are reports of a major system moving across the Deep South later this week. While today is clear, Thursday and Friday are looking much more active.
- Check the Airport Feed: For the most accurate local data, look at the Henry County Airport (KHMP) station reports rather than general "Atlanta" forecasts.
The weather forecast for McDonough GA tells us today is a "goldilocks" day—not too cold, not too hot. It’s perfect for getting outdoor chores done before the next system moves in. Just remember that by sunset at 6:07 PM, that temperature is going to plummet back toward the 30s.
Keep your eyes on the western horizon. If you see those high, wispy cirrus clouds moving in later today, you know the moisture is following close behind. Stay dry, keep a jacket in the car, and don't be surprised if you're turning on the AC by Thursday afternoon just to balance out the humidity.