Atlanta, Ga. – A fast-moving winter weather system is increasingly likely to pass through parts of the southern United States this weekend, bringing cold air and the potential for light snow in some areas. While social media speculation has fueled talk of a major winter storm, forecasters say current data points toward a minor, low-impact event rather than a widespread or disruptive snowfall, according to reporting by The Weather Channel.
What Residents Across the South Should Expect
Forecast guidance suggests a storm system is more likely than not to sweep through the Southeast beginning late Saturday and lasting into Sunday. If snow occurs, it is expected to be light and spotty, especially outside of higher elevations.
Most locations away from the Appalachians could see flurries to around one inch of snow, and many areas may see no snow at all. There is a small chance that isolated communities could receive more than two inches, but forecasters stress that this scenario remains unlikely.
Even where snow fails to materialize, cold air will be widespread, with temperatures dropping sharply overnight. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect pipes, pets, and sensitive plants.
A Developing System with Many Unknowns
Meteorologists are closely monitoring a disturbance that may evolve into a low-pressure system in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico late Saturday. If it develops, the system would move northeast along the Southeast coast on Sunday, bringing precipitation in the form of rain or snow.
The main uncertainty lies in the strength of the system. A stronger storm would be able to draw in both moisture and cold air, increasing the chances for snow. A weaker system, however, may fail to bring these ingredients together, limiting snowfall potential.
There is also uncertainty over how much moisture reaches the East Coast. If the storm tracks closer to the coastline, heavier precipitation — including snow — could shift farther north into parts of the Northeast.
Forecast Models Show Wide Variability
Computer models began hinting at this scenario earlier in the week, with some runs showing more aggressive outcomes. However, by Thursday, several models pulled back, highlighting just how fluid and low-confidence the forecast remains.
Not all guidance shows a storm forming at all, and some model solutions that do produce a system lack sufficient moisture for snow. Large fluctuations between model runs are typical with fast-developing winter systems in the South, which is why forecasters recommend checking updates multiple times a day.
At this stage, the chance of more than one inch of snow anywhere in the Southeast outside mountainous areas is below 40%. Still, the probability of a light dusting approaches 50% in some areas from southern Mississippi to central Georgia.
Cold Air Will Not Be in Short Supply
One factor that does favor wintry weather is the presence of ample cold air, which is often missing from southern snow events. Two surges of cold air are expected to move through the region over the next few days.
The first surge arrives before the weekend, followed by a second, colder push late Saturday into Sunday. This will bring overnight lows into the teens, 20s, and 30s, potentially reaching close to the Gulf Coast. Monday morning is expected to be even colder than Sunday, particularly along the Atlantic coast and into Florida.
Dry Air Could Limit Snowfall
Despite the cold, the second surge of air will also bring very dry continental air, which may significantly limit precipitation. Dew points are forecast to fall into the teens and 20s across much of the South, a signal that moisture will be scarce.
Unless snow develops at a heavier rate, this dry air could prevent accumulation altogether. This balance between cold temperatures and limited moisture is the key reason forecasters are cautious about predicting significant snowfall.
Bottom Line
While a quick-hitting wintry system is possible this weekend, current projections favor light snow at best, with many areas seeing only flurries or cold rain. The dominant impact is expected to be cold temperatures, not a major snowstorm. Because conditions remain uncertain, residents are encouraged to stay informed as forecasts continue to evolve.
