Atlanta is in for a week of dramatic temperature swings, and if you’ve been struggling to figure out what to wear each morning, you’re not alone. A deep freeze has gripped the city, bringing bitterly cold mornings, but by next week, you might be reaching for short sleeves.
While the weekend will start off chilly, a major warm-up is on the way, with temperatures climbing nearly 40 degrees between morning lows and afternoon highs. But don’t get too comfortable—another cooldown is lurking just around the corner.
Current Conditions: Cold, But Not for Long
Atlanta is waking up to frigid temperatures, with the morning low sitting around 31°F (0°C). It’s been an unusually cold stretch, thanks to an Arctic blast sweeping through much of the eastern U.S. The air is crisp, the skies are clear, and if you’re stepping outside early, you’ll want to bundle up.
Fortunately, the sun will provide some relief this afternoon, pushing temperatures up to 52°F (11°C). But this warming trend is just beginning—temperatures will climb even higher in the coming days.
Weekend Forecast: A Gradual Warm-Up Begins
The weekend will start off cool, but each day will bring milder temperatures, making it feel much more like early spring than late February.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny and chilly, with a high of 52°F (11°C). Expect a cold morning low of 31°F (-1°C), so keep that winter coat handy.
- Sunday: Warmer but still crisp, with a high of 55°F (13°C). Morning temperatures will start around 33°F (1°C), and clouds will gradually increase throughout the day.
Next Week: A Rapid Warm-Up—Then a Cooldown
If you’ve been waiting for a break from the cold, next week will deliver. Temperatures will rise well above normal, giving Atlanta a taste of spring in February.
- Monday: Mild and sunny, with a high of 64°F (18°C). The morning will still be cool at 43°F (6°C), but the afternoon will feel pleasant and comfortable.
- Tuesday: Even warmer, hitting 69°F (20°C), with plenty of sunshine. The night will stay mild at 42°F (6°C).
- Wednesday: The warmest day of the week! Expect sunshine and a high near 71°F (22°C). Overnight temperatures will stay mild at 49°F (10°C).
- Thursday: A weak cold front arrives, bringing cooler air. Expect partly sunny skies, a high of 64°F (18°C), and a colder night at 38°F (3°C).
- Friday: A noticeable cooldown, with a high of 55°F (13°C) and a low of 37°F (3°C). Temperatures will return to more typical late-February levels.
Why Is Atlanta’s Weather So Unpredictable?
Atlanta’s dramatic weather swings are a result of competing air masses. Right now, an Arctic air mass has been dominating, bringing freezing mornings and chilly afternoons. But next week, warm air from the Gulf of Mexico will surge northward, sending temperatures soaring.
However, this warm spell won’t last forever. By late next week, another cold front will push through, bringing temperatures back down. This back-and-forth pattern is typical for late winter in Atlanta, as the battle between cold northern air and warm southern air plays out.
How to Stay Comfortable This Week
- Dress in Layers: Mornings will be cold, but afternoons will feel like spring. Wear a jacket in the morning but be ready to shed layers by midday.
- Prepare for Pollen: Warmer weather means early spring allergens could start appearing. If you’re sensitive to pollen, take precautions.
- Don’t Get Too Comfortable: A cooldown is coming by the end of next week, so don’t put away those winter clothes just yet.
- Watch for Icy Mornings: As the temperatures fluctuate, refreezing could occur overnight, especially in shaded areas and on bridges.
Bottom Line: A Week of Extremes for Atlanta
Atlanta’s weather is about to shift dramatically, going from freezing mornings to warm afternoons in just a matter of days. Next week will feel like an early taste of spring, but don’t be fooled—cooler temperatures are expected to return before the month is over.
So keep your winter coat handy, but also be ready to break out the sunglasses—because this is classic Atlanta weather at its most unpredictable
