Bitter Cold Meets Bright Skies: Atlanta's Post-Storm Tuesday Outlook

The Morning Frost: A Biting Start to the Day

Atlanta residents will wake up to a bone-chilling Tuesday morning as the city remains under a Cold Weather Advisory until 9:00 AM. In the wake of Winter Storm Fern, which has left its mark across the region, temperatures early today are expected to hover around a frigid 17°F. However, when accounting for a light but steady northwest wind of 6 to 12 mph, the "feels like" temperature will drop to dangerous levels, potentially reaching between -5 and 5 degrees across much of North Georgia. Commuters should be especially wary of slick spots on roadways where leftover moisture from the weekend's precipitation may have refrozen into black ice during the overnight hours.

Afternoon Relief: Sunny Skies and a Welcome Thaw

As the morning advisory expires, a shift in weather patterns will bring much-needed sunshine to the metro area. Despite the icy start, Tuesday afternoon promises clear, bright skies with a forecast high of approximately 41°F. This marks a critical turning point as temperatures finally climb above the freezing mark, aiding in the melting of any lingering ice patches on secondary roads and sidewalks. Winds will transition to a more westerly flow at 5 to 10 mph, with occasional gusts reaching up to 20 mph, making the afternoon feel crisp but considerably more bearable than the dawn hours. This peak in temperature is expected to be the warmest point of the day before another dip begins in the early evening.

Evening Outlook: Temperatures Plunge Once More

As the sun sets around 6:03 PM, the clearing skies will allow for rapid radiational cooling across the city. The evening will remain dry, but temperatures are set to drop quickly back into the 20s. By late Tuesday night, the mercury is expected to settle at a low near 22°F under mostly clear to partly cloudy conditions. While no new precipitation is in the forecast, the prolonged sub-freezing temperatures overnight mean that the threat of pipe bursts remains a concern for homeowners and business owners throughout the Atlanta region. The absence of cloud cover initially will facilitate this rapid cooling, though some cloudiness may return after midnight.

Tuesday Weather Fast Facts

• High Temperature: 41°F
• Low Temperature: 17°F
• Precipitation: 0% chance of rain or snow
• Wind: West at 5-10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph
• Alerts: Cold Weather Advisory (until 9:00 AM); State of Emergency remains in effect

While the worst of Winter Storm Fern has passed, the Governor's State of Emergency remains active through January 29 to assist with recovery efforts and power restoration. Residents are encouraged to stay bundled up, check on elderly neighbors, and continue monitoring local updates for any changes in road conditions as the city continues to recover from the winter system.