Georgia and Alabama Face Coldest Night of the Season as Temperatures Plunge Into the Teens

GEORGIA — The Deep South is preparing for its coldest night of the season, as Arctic air grips Georgia and Alabama, sending temperatures tumbling into the teens and low 20s overnight. Wind chills will make it feel even colder, with “feels-like” temperatures expected to dip into the single digits in some areas.

The National Weather Service has issued Cold Weather Advisories across the region, warning residents to take precautions to protect people, pets, pipes, and plants.

Dangerous Wind Chills Expected Overnight

Meteorologists forecast that areas across North Georgia and eastern Alabama will experience wind chills between 5°F and 15°F, making for a dangerously cold night.

Cities including Atlanta, Rome, Gainesville, and Athens are expected to see lows in the mid to upper teens, while Anniston and Gadsden, Alabama, will bottom out around 18°F. Winds of 15–20 mph will make the air feel even colder, especially during the pre-dawn hours.

“This is the kind of cold that bites,” said meteorologist Chris Jones. “It’s dry, sharp, and it sneaks into every corner of your home if you’re not prepared.”

Safety Precautions Urged for Residents

Officials are reminding residents to check on vulnerable neighbors and ensure pets are brought indoors. Pipes on exterior walls should be insulated or allowed to drip slowly overnight to prevent freezing and bursting.

Residents using space heaters are advised to keep them at least three feet from flammable materials and avoid using charcoal grills or gas ovens as a heat source due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

“This cold will challenge anyone who isn’t ready,” Jones added. “If you have elderly neighbors, now’s the time to call and check in. Make sure everyone has a safe way to stay warm tonight.”

Forecast Overview

According to North Georgia Weather Authority data:

• Lows Tonight: 15–21°F across most of Georgia and eastern Alabama.
• Wind Chills: 5–15°F, coldest north of I-20.
• Wind Gusts: 15–20 mph expected.
• Snow Chance: 0% — skies remain clear and dry.

Despite the bone-chilling temperatures, skies will remain mostly clear overnight, allowing radiational cooling to push readings even lower in sheltered valleys.

Much Warmer Weather Ahead

The good news, forecasters say, is that the cold blast will be short-lived. A steady warming trend begins by midweek, with daytime highs climbing back into the 50s and 60s by Thursday.

“Tonight’s cold is the worst of it,” said Jones. “Once we get through this, milder air returns quickly.”

Until then, residents across Georgia and Alabama are urged to take precautions tonight to stay safe during this brief but severe Arctic chill.

For more local weather updates and safety information, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.