After a spell of unseasonably warm weather, metro Atlanta and the broader North Georgia region are bracing for a sharp and sudden drop in temperatures as a cold front sweeps through the area. By Monday afternoon, December 29, 2025, residents will feel the chill in the air, with high temperatures topping out only in the 40s—and the wind making it feel even colder, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Jennifer Lopez.
This abrupt shift marks the beginning of a drastic cooldown for the region, with the cold snap expected to persist through midweek. The transformation will be felt quickly and keenly by those who were just recently basking in mild, almost spring-like conditions. "A high of 70 degrees in downtown Atlanta — those temperatures are still pretty mild," said FOX 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Laurann Robinson. "But they’re going to be dropping pretty quickly as we go through the day tomorrow."
The change in weather comes as a cold front moves through early Monday, bringing with it a brief period of light rain. Robinson explained, "Those winds are gonna start picking up as that front gets closer to us. While that front gets closer, we’re gonna watch for some early morning rain showers tomorrow." Showers are expected to reach northwest Georgia, including areas like Rome, between 3 and 5 a.m., then sweep through metro Atlanta by around 4 to 6 a.m. However, the rain is not expected to linger. "That line of showers early tomorrow morning moves through pretty quickly," Robinson said. "We’re not gonna get a whole lot of rain from that — just some wet roads early tomorrow."
Once the rain passes, clouds may hang around through midday before giving way to afternoon sunshine. But don’t let the brighter skies fool you—behind the front, colder air will surge in from the north, causing temperatures to drop steadily throughout the day. "As that clearing settles in, that air is going to continue to fall in from the north," Robinson added. "It’s going to drop our temperatures throughout the day Monday." Highs in the 50s will occur early, but by afternoon, the mercury will settle in the 40s, with gusty winds making it feel more like the 30s across much of North Georgia.
By Monday night, lows are forecast to drop into the 20s and 30s, with many locations falling below freezing. According to Jennifer Lopez, "Temperatures will drop into the mid-20s by Tuesday." The cold pattern is set to stick around for a few days. "We’re going to see some cold weather settle in," Robinson said, warning that the sun may shine but the breeze will make it feel much colder than it looks. Daytime highs on Tuesday, December 30, and Wednesday, December 31, are expected to remain in the 40s, with chilly overnight lows continuing. The cold spell is projected to extend through the end of the year and into the first days of 2026. "We also want to watch for overnight temperatures to fall below freezing," Robinson cautioned. "We’re gonna have a cold spell ending our 2025 and even into the first couple of days of 2026."
This wintry turn is a marked contrast to the recent warmth. Previous record lows for late December in Atlanta were relatively mild—37 degrees on December 28 and 57 degrees on Christmas Day, according to National Weather Service data. The average high temperature for this time of year is around 45 degrees, so the expected highs in the 40s and lows dipping into the 20s and 30s are right in line with seasonal norms, if not a touch colder than usual.
For those already dreaming of warmer days, there is some relief on the horizon. Temperatures are expected to slowly rebound by New Year’s Day, with sunshine and highs in the mid-50s—right around the seasonal average. However, forecasters are keeping an eye on the potential for another round of rain moving in Friday night into Saturday, which could complicate the start of the new year for some.
The sudden cold has prompted local officials to take action to protect the community’s most vulnerable. In DeKalb County, warming centers will open Monday through Wednesday, December 29-31, beginning at 6:30 p.m. each night. These centers are designed to offer shelter from the cold for those who need it most, including individuals experiencing homelessness or those without adequate heating at home. The county’s warming center locations include Frontline Response International at 2585 Gresham Rd SE in Atlanta, St. Vincent de Paul at 2050 C Chamblee Tucker Rd in Chamblee, Mason Mill Recreation Center at 1340 McConnell Dr in Decatur, and Exchange Park Intergenerational Center at 2771 Columbia Dr in Decatur.
To ensure access, DeKalb County has released a detailed transportation schedule. All routes begin at Frontline Response Headquarters on Gresham Road, with initial pickups scheduled to be completed by 7:30 p.m. and final sweeps from 7:30 to 10 p.m. The routes cover a broad swath of the county, including North DeKalb, Chamblee, Tucker, Brookhaven, Decatur, Emory, Stone Mountain, Candler Road, Memorial Drive, and Wesley Chapel, among others. Pickups start as early as 6:05 p.m. and continue through the 7 p.m. hour, depending on the route.
Other counties are also stepping up. In Cobb County, for example, the Hope House at 7921 Bells Ferry Road will be open as a warming station, and in Gwinnett County, warming centers will be available from Monday evening onward. Residents are encouraged to check with local authorities for the most up-to-date information on shelter locations and operating hours.
For many, the cold snap is a reminder of the unpredictability of winter weather in the South. While Atlanta is no stranger to dramatic swings in temperature, the rapid shift from balmy to brisk can catch even seasoned residents off guard. Meteorologists urge everyone to take precautions: dress in layers, limit time outdoors during the coldest periods, and check on neighbors who might be at risk.
Looking ahead, the National Weather Service predicts that after the cold spell breaks, the region will see a gradual warming trend, with temperatures climbing back toward average by the end of the week. Still, with winter just getting started, Atlantans would do well to keep those coats handy—and maybe double-check that their home heating systems are up to the task.
As the city adjusts to the wintry blast, the coordinated response from local governments and community organizations offers a bit of warmth amid the chill, ensuring that everyone has a safe place to weather the coldest nights of the season.
