Atlanta woke up to clear skies and a stiff northwest breeze on Sunday, February 22, 2026, with temperatures stuck in the mid to upper 40s and a high near 47°F on tap. The steady winds are making it feel colder than the thermometer suggests, and a Wind Advisory is posted for the metro from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., which could make the midday drive a bit of an adventure in exposed spots.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Through the afternoon, northwest winds are expected to run 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph in the most exposed locations. Those gusts can toss around unsecured outdoor gear and bring down small branches, and high-profile vehicles may have a tougher time staying steady in the lane. Residents are urged to strap down patio furniture, tarps, and any loose items and to build in extra time for midday travel, according to the National Weather Service.
Tonight And Monday Morning
Skies stay mostly clear tonight, but it will be a cold one, with a low near 25°F and northwest winds of 15 to 20 mph, gusting up to 35 mph. That combination will drive wind chills down into raw territory, especially early Monday. Forecasters expect Monday morning to be the coldest of the week, with wind-chill values dipping into the single digits on the higher ridges. A Cold Weather Advisory could be considered for the coldest pockets if temperatures trend a bit lower, according to the NWS Peachtree City.
Next Week Outlook
After the shot of cold air, temperatures bounce back into the 50s on Tuesday, with a high near 54°F. The trade-off will be dry air and continued gusty winds, which are expected to lower humidity and boost fire danger across north and central Georgia. Rain chances go up again late Wednesday into Thursday, with showers likely on Thursday and the heaviest totals favored north of I-20; a few isolated thunderstorms cannot be ruled out. Anyone with outdoor plans this week should secure loose gear on Tuesday and keep an eye on updated forecasts, since the timing of the front and the rain could still shift.
The system was already on our radar in yesterday's Hoodline breakdown, Stormy Saturday Smackdown, and today's advisory narrows the window for the strongest gusts. Tie down anything the wind can grab, give yourself a little extra commute time, and check for updates if your route takes you across exposed bridges or wide-open stretches of road.
