New Freeze Warning Issued For Metro Atlanta As Temps Plummet

ATLANTA, GA — An overnight freeze watch in metro Atlanta has been upgraded to a freeze warning.

The warning will go into effect from 2-10 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 degrees are possible, the weather service said.

The watch was issued for Cobb, Fulton, Paulding, Hall, Cherokee, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Bartow, Barrow, Clarke, Oconee, Douglas, DeKalb and several other counties.

Weather officials said frost and freeze conditions can kill crops and potentially damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

"Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold," weather officials said in the alert.

Residents are urged to wrap, drain or slowly drip their outdoor water pipes. In-ground sprinklers should be drained, the weather service stated.

The high temperature Thursday is forecast at 56 degrees until rising to the low 60s Friday and into the low 70s through the weekend.

Aside from sub-freezing temperatures Thursday, the weather service warns residents about high fire danger conditions due to low humidity levels.

"Relative humidities of 30 percent or less can be expected for four or more hours this afternoon into the evening. Winds will be out of the east at 10 mph or less. With dry fuels and ongoing significant drought conditions, high fire danger conditions can be expected," weather officials said.

Residents are asked to use extreme caution when burning materials outdoors and are asked to refer to their local authorities on whether or not burning is permitted.

At around 4:30 p.m., the weather service predicted the following forecast:

Tonight: Patchy frost after 5 a.m. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 34. East wind around 5 mph.

Friday: Patchy frost between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 63. East wind 5-10 mph.

Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 41. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 70. North wind around 5 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 72.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 79.

Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.