The arctic cold that has its grip on the northern tier of states is expected to push into the Gainesville area and other parts of Georgia over the weekend, sending temperatures into the teens in places.
"Arctic air is expected to invade north and central Georgia by the end of this weekend, resulting in an extended period of below normal temperatures through the entire first week of the new year," according to a statement issued Friday afternoon by the National Weather Service Office in Peachtree City. "At this time, the coldest air is expected Tuesday and Wednesday with overnight low temperatures in the teens and lower 20s."
The statement goes on to say "Some of the highest elevations in north Georgia could be a few degrees colder. Add in just a little bit of wind, and wind chill values could drop down to the single digits above zero at times during the middle of next week."
Forecasters say though it is not unusual to see cold snaps across the South this time of year, the prolonged cold "can be detrimental to your health if you are not properly prepared. If you must be outside, be sure to dress appropriately and avoid extended periods of time exposed to the cold. Take care of pets and outdoor items that are sensitive to the cold."
In Gainesville, temperatures are expected to bottom-out at around 17 overnight Monday night but lows will remain in the low 20s the rest of the week. Daytime highs are forecast to reach only into the 30s starting New Year's Day and continuing each day through at least Friday.
But unlike the weather across the northern part of the country, no sleet or snow is forecast for Georgia as the cold air pushes south.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
