Much warmer than normal temperatures are expected to continue through the weekend across north and central Georgia following record highs for the date in Atlanta, Macon, Columbus, and Augusta.
In a Christmas Day advisory, the National Weather Service (NWS) said high temperatures are expected to persist through Sunday with overnight lows in the 50s. Then come a major change in conditions.
“Cooler weather moves in for next week following a front that will bring numerous showers to the area late Sunday into Monday,” and temperatures that will plunge into the 20s at night. Wind chills in the teens are possible in the lower elevations and single-digits in the mountains.
The NWS 7-day outlook for the Gainesville area:
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Light west wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.
Friday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. West wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65.
Sunday Night
A 40 percent chance of showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Monday
Showers likely, mainly before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 26.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 50.