Major Storm Melissa Forecasted to Impact Georgia Coast

Savannah, Georgia, October 24, 2025

News Summary

Tropical Storm Melissa is being monitored in the Caribbean Sea, with potential to become a significant hurricane as it moves north. Georgia could experience severe weather around Halloween, with risks of coastal flooding and rough seas. Rain from Melissa may not be sufficient to address severe drought conditions present in metro Atlanta and surrounding areas, prompting fire danger concerns. As temperatures drop, expectations for Halloween include warmer weather with potential rain earlier in the week but mostly clear evening skies for trick-or-treaters.

Savannah, Georgia – Major Storm Melissa Forecasted to Impact Georgia Coast

A major storm, Tropical Storm Melissa, is currently being tracked in the Caribbean Sea, with predictions indicating it may escalate into a significant hurricane as it heads north early next week. The trajectory of Melissa will largely determine whether the mid-Atlantic region experiences minor rain or more severe weather events.

Forecasters have noted that an anticipated dip in the jet stream along the Atlantic seaboard could interact with Tropical Storm Melissa. AccuWeather stated that this jet stream dip poses a possibility of generating a new storm or a powerful nor’easter by the end of October along the Atlantic coast. Even a less intense storm combined with Melissa could cause increased winds and rough seas, raising concerns for Georgia’s coastal areas.

The anticipated timing of the storm’s impact on Georgia remains uncertain, with Halloween plans potentially affected by risks of beach erosion, coastal flooding, and tumultuous surf conditions. Early trick-or-treaters could encounter rainfall on Wednesday as the storm approaches.

Projected Weather Events for Georgia

The National Weather Service (NWS) has reported that while rain may arrive from Melissa, it might not be enough to alleviate Georgia’s ongoing drought conditions. The greatest chance for rain in the state is forecasted around 8 p.m. on Sunday, particularly in the Columbus and Rome areas, starting with a 20% probability and increasing to 55% by Monday.

Despite the anticipated rain, drought conditions in Georgia are severe, with metro Atlanta and surrounding areas facing a level of fire danger due to humidity levels dropping between 20-25%. On Thursday, the NWS designated metro Atlanta and parts of western Georgia under a Level D3 risk, indicating extreme drought conditions present, which could worsen over the next 7 to 10 days.

Temperature Outlook

Colder temperatures are expected as the week progresses, with highs in the high 50s to low 60s and lows dropping to the high 40s and low 50s by early next week. The forecast for metro Atlanta anticipates mostly sunny conditions with highs near 73, transitioning to partly cloudy nights and various chances of showers through the week.

Long-Term Weather Predictions

Both the Farmers’ and Old Farmer’s Almanacs have released fall forecasts for the southeast, indicating a warm, dry start to the season followed by a stormy finish. For Halloween, the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts above-normal temperatures, while the Farmers’ Almanac describes a warm and dry beginning for the season. The NWS’s long-range forecast suggests a 33-40% chance of above-normal temperatures for Georgia. Thus, trick-or-treaters may enjoy warmer weather in the 70s and mostly clear skies come Halloween evening, despite the potential for some rain earlier in the week.

Summary of Key Features

• Storm Name: Tropical Storm Melissa
• Forecast Path: Predicted to turn into a major hurricane heading north.
• Impact Timing: Uncertain; expected around Halloween week.
• Precipitation Expectation: Rain may arrive but unlikely to significantly alleviate drought conditions.
• Temperature Outlook: Highs in the 50s to 60s, lows in the 40s to 50s.
• Humidity Levels: Range from 20-25%, indicating a level of fire danger.
• Drought Risk: Metro Atlanta under Level D3 extreme drought risk.
• Halloween Conditions: Warmer weather expected with clear skies despite previous rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Atlanta Hosts Family-Friendly Fall Festivals and Activities
Man Arrested for Making Threats at Atlanta Airport
Thick Fog Affects Morning Commutes in Metro Atlanta
Tropical Storm Melissa Forms, Threatens Haiti and the Dominican Republic

Additional Resources

• Patch: Massive Storm Could Impact GA Halloween Week
• Savannah Now: Georgia Fall 2025 Weather Forecast
• WJCL: Weather to Expect on Halloween Night
• Weather.com: Muscogee Technology Park Forecast
• 11Alive: One Year Since Northern Lights in Georgia

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.