Georgia Bracing for Brutally Cold Temperatures, Snow

If you're someone who enjoys true winter-like weather, than you're probably loving January in the U.S. Following a very mild November, winter started to kick into full gear across the country, and much of the U.S. is experiencing colder than normal conditions. That includes Georgia. If you're wondering about the timeline for Georgia's winter blast and how long you're going to have to bundle up, then here's what to know. As someone who doesn't enjoy cold weather all, I'm certainly hoping for spring weather soon.

If it seems colder to you this season than last, then you're right. The 2023-24 winter season was warmer than normal due to an El Niño weather pattern. Throughout the winter, much of the U.S. received mild temperatures and less snow and ice. According to the National Weather Service, an El Niño season means that "above-average sea-surface temperatures that periodically develop across the east-central equatorial Pacific," and "it represents the warm phase of the ENSO cycle."

But, the 2024-25 winter season is having a La Niña weather pattern, which means to expect more frigid temperatures and more snowfall. For areas with a lot of lakes or the sea, that can mean even more snow and bitterly cold winds. Per to the National Weather Service, a La Niña season "refers to the periodic cooling of sea-surface temperatures across the east-central equatorial Pacific." So, if you're someone who prefers a milder winter, always hope for an El Niño weather pattern in the winter months. We're not so lucky to get that this season.

For Georgia, much of the state is under a Winter Weather Warning until 7 a.m. on Saturday, January 11. The Weather Channel says to expect "heavy mixed precipitation" in areas of the state and "additional snow accumulations of one inch or less are expected, mainly north of the Atlanta metro area."

Aside from that imminent snow event, the state is in line for cold temperatures for at least the next 10 days. The Georgia 10-day weather forecast from the Weather Channel, which provides an overview of the state's weather, projects lows near freezing through at least Jan. 24. So, keep those earmuffs and scarves handy.