Atlanta, GA, January 1, 2026
News Summary
Atlanta is set to experience severe weather and rainstorms that could impact Thanksgiving travel. A low-pressure system bringing rain and possible thunderstorms is expected from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. Travelers should prepare for potential delays at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and adjust their plans accordingly. Despite sunny weather on Thursday, Friday will bring warm temperatures and significant rainfall overnight, with cooler conditions expected post-storm. Travelers are advised to stay informed and ready for changing weather conditions as Thanksgiving approaches.
Atlanta is bracing for severe weather and rainstorms that may disrupt Thanksgiving travel plans. A low-pressure system is expected to bring a mix of showers and thunderstorms beginning Friday afternoon and continuing through Saturday morning. Travelers should prepare for increased delays and adjust their plans accordingly.
Forecasts indicate pleasant weather in Atlanta on Thursday, characterized by abundant sunshine. Temperatures tonight will drop to the mid-30s to lower 40s as the low-pressure system approaches the region. Although cirrus clouds will increase overnight, no rain is forecast for today.
As Friday dawns, warm temperatures are predicted, ranging from the upper 50s to mid-60s. Light rain is expected to begin in western Georgia Friday afternoon. The most significant rainfall is anticipated Friday night into early Saturday morning, with totals likely ranging from half an inch to an inch and a half. Isolated thunderstorms could also occur Friday night, bringing hazards such as lightning and localized gusty winds, although the probability of strong thunderstorms remains low.
Rain is expected to continue into Saturday as the low-pressure system passes through Georgia, with the majority of precipitation falling overnight. Fortunately, conditions are projected to clear by Sunday, providing some relief for travelers. Following the storm, temperatures in the following week are expected to remain above normal, with highs between the upper 50s and 60s and lows primarily in the 40s. A weak high-pressure ridge is set to influence the region on Sunday and Monday, resulting in higher-than-average temperatures.
Looking ahead to next week, multiple rounds of showers and storms are forecasted across north Georgia, impacting travel. Rainfall is expected to begin early Tuesday, continuing throughout the day, with strong storms anticipated in the afternoon, particularly west of I-75 and around metro Atlanta. Travelers should brace for damaging winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rain that could cause significant travel delays at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Departure delays at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have already been reported, ranging from 31 to 45 minutes due to thunderstorm activity. Ground stops have also been issued due to the thunderstorms affecting flight schedules. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings have been announced for several counties, including Cobb, Fulton, and Gwinnett, highlighting the risks posed by high winds and potential localized flooding.
As conditions begin to stabilize following the storms, Atlanta’s Thanksgiving Day will be notably cool and clear, with highs projected in the mid-50s. Subsequent days will see a struggle for temperatures to reach 49 degrees, and the return of light rain is anticipated on Sunday and Monday.
In summary, Atlanta is on alert for potential severe weather as Thanksgiving approaches. Travelers should remain aware of changing weather conditions and make necessary adjustments to their plans to ensure safe travels during this busy holiday period.
Key Weather Forecast Summary
| Date | Weather | Temperature Range | Rainfall Expected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Sunny | Mid-30s to Lower 40s (tonight) | No rain |
| Friday | Warm with Light Rain in the Afternoon | Upper 50s to Mid-60s | Up to 1.5 inches (overnight) |
| Saturday | Rain Continues | Cooler After Storms | Mainly overnight rainfall |
| Thanksgiving Day | Cool and Clear | Mid-50s | No rain expected |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Atlanta to Launch Countdown Over ATL for New Year’s Eve
Atlanta Faces Red Flag Warning Ahead of New Year’s Eve
Atlanta Fire Officials Warn Against Fireworks for New Year
Colder Weather and Elevated Fire Danger in Georgia
Additional Resources
- 11Alive: Heavy Rain and Storms Headed to Georgia
- Wikipedia: Weather Forecasting
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Storms Tuesday Could Cause Delays at Atlanta Airport
- Google Search: Thanksgiving weather in Atlanta
- Atlanta News First: First Alert Forecast Rain & Storms Tuesday
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Storms, Heavy Rain, Flooding Metro Atlanta
- Google News: Georgia weather forecast
- WSB TV: Heavy Rain Chance & Severe Storms Across North Georgia
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Effects
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
