A clear, cold night ahead for your Wednesday
By Chelsea Prince
It’s been nearly four years since Atlanta’s last significant snowfall, but that streak could end this weekend.
Winter weather is looking more and more likely as a storm system in the Pacific Ocean moves closer to the South, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologists. The system will arrive as cold air settles across North Georgia, creating the right conditions for a few snowflakes. Or maybe more.
“There is the potential for accumulating snow and ice this weekend,” Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said Wednesday. “It’s way too early to talk about amounts, exact timeline, exactly where that rain-snow line is going to set up.”
This is the probability of at least 3 inches of snowfall this weekend. I’m breaking down the latest on Channel 2 now. pic.twitter.com/SIXh0vRlR1
— Brad Nitz (@BradNitzWSB) January 12, 2022
The rain is expected to arrive late Saturday, long after celebrations wrap up in Athens honoring the Georgia Bulldogs’ football national championship. According to Channel 2, it will be clear but cold with temperatures in the 50s at noon, when a parade is expected to begin.
“Conditions will definitely be favorable for those of you heading out to celebrate all the fun,” Channel 2 meteorologist Eboni Deon said. “It’s still going to be chilly, so you are going to want to dress for the warmth. I don’t think you are going to need the rain gear that early in the day.”
Deon expects showers to develop later in the evening before rain switches to a wintry mix overnight, when temperatures are predicted to drop into the 20s. Eventually, she said, some areas could see the mix turn to just snow.
Here’s a side by side comparison, the models remain in good agreement on a winter weather threat this weekend. This shows snow (blue) and freezing rain (pink) into the Atlanta metro. It’s too soon to reliably give amounts. We’ll have the specifics on Channel 2 all week. pic.twitter.com/bXBStU0paC
— Brad Nitz (@BradNitzWSB) January 12, 2022
Multiple forecast models show accumulating snowfall continuing through Sunday afternoon as temperatures hover in the low 30s. The projected high Sunday is just 38 degrees. It will not be a quick-hitting system, Deon said.
According to Channel 2, it has been 1,455 days since there was measurable snowfall at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the second-longest no-snow streak since a 1,477-day stretch between 1948 and 1952.
The last time Atlanta got more than a dusting was Jan. 17, 2018, when the city recorded 2.3 inches of snow.
Read the original story on AJC.com.
