A Crisp Winter Respite: Sunny Skies Return to Atlanta as Recovery Continues

A Bright but Brisk Wednesday

After a grueling week of winter weather and the icy aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, Atlanta residents will finally see a return of the sun today, Wednesday, January 28, 2026. While the heavy precipitation has moved out of the region, the city remains under a State of Emergency as dangerously low temperatures continue to grip North Georgia. Today offers a dry, sunny window for recovery efforts, though the air remains biting.

Morning: A Frigid Start

The morning hours began with temperatures hovering near 32°F, but wind chill values made it feel much colder, dipping into the mid-20s. The City of Atlanta has kept warming centers open at locations such as the Central Park Recreation Center to support those still affected by power outages or lack of heat. These facilities are scheduled to remain open through 11:00 a.m. this morning. As the commute continues, drivers are urged to remain cautious of patchy black ice on secondary roads and overpasses, particularly in shaded areas where runoff from previous sleet and snow may have refrozen overnight.

Afternoon: Peak Sunshine and Crisp Winds

Expect a mostly sunny afternoon with a projected high of 45°F. While the sun provides a visual relief, northwest winds will remain active, sustained at 5 to 10 mph with occasional gusts reaching up to 20 mph. These winds will keep the air feeling crisp and may hamper outdoor repair work for crews still addressing utility issues. Despite the sunshine, the High will remain well below the seasonal average, so heavy coats and layers are still highly recommended for anyone heading outdoors.

Evening and Overnight: The Chill Settles In

As the sun sets, the clear skies will allow for rapid cooling. By tonight, the mercury is expected to drop to a low of approximately 26°F. Winds will transition to a lighter northwest flow of around 5 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph. The absence of cloud cover means there will be no insulation to hold the day's meager heat, leading to a hard freeze across the metro area. Residents should continue to take precautions to protect pets and sensitive plants.

Safety Alerts and State of Emergency

Governor Brian Kemp’s declared State of Emergency remains in effect through Thursday, January 29. State officials continue to monitor the potential for dangerously cold wind chills and the possibility of another winter system moving toward the Southeast later this weekend. Key safety reminders for today include:

• Ensuring all outdoor pipes are wrapped or allowing indoor faucets to drip slowly to prevent freezing.
• Checking on elderly neighbors and friends who may be vulnerable to the sustained cold.
• Using space heaters safely and never utilizing generators or grills inside the home.