ALBANY, Ga. (WALB)— A dangerous arctic blast pushes into SGA this weekend, and it’s going to feel much colder than the actual temperature. An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from 1pm Saturday through 1pm Sunday with wind chills plunging between 2 and 10°.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe:

When It Hits

Behind a powerful cold front passing late Friday night into Saturday morning, temperatures drop rapidly on Saturday, with the coldest conditions being felt Saturday afternoon and lasting through Sunday morning. By Saturday night, a hard freeze will settle in with actual air temperatures falling to between 16 and 21 degrees — cold enough to challenge some record lows Sunday morning. Albany’s record low is 11° set Feb. 1 in 1966. The record low high is 37° set Feb. 1 in 1909.

The Real Danger: Wind Chills

It’s not just the cold temperatures that are dangerous — it’s the combination of bitter cold and gusty NW winds. Frequent wind gusts of 25-35 mph+ are forecast most of Saturday into Sunday, creating wind chills between 2 and 10°. That’s life-threatening and dangerously cold.

To put it in perspective: exposed skin can freeze in less than 30 minutes and pipes burst in these conditions.

What This Means for You

Commute: If you’re driving Saturday, be extra cautious. High-profile vehicles like trucks and SUVs could be pushed around by the strong winds. Secure any loose objects outside — trash cans, outdoor furniture, and decorations could blow away.

Outdoor plans: Keep outdoor activities to a minimum Saturday and Sunday. If you must go outside, limit your time and dress in layers — a warm coat, hat, gloves, and a scarf are essential.

Pets and livestock: Bring pets inside. If they must stay outside, provide adequate shelter and fresh water (which may freeze quickly).

Pipes and plants: Protect exposed pipes and bring sensitive plants inside. The hard freeze Saturday night could damage unprotected vegetation and cause pipes to burst.

Travel: If you’re planning to travel this weekend, reconsider or delay your trip if possible. Dangerous wind chills and gusty conditions could make driving hazardous.

The Timeline

• Friday night: Cold front arrives with increasing winds
• Saturday: Breezy to gusty conditions with rapid temperature drop; highs only in the mid 30s to low 40s
• Saturday night: The coldest period; wind chills between 2 and 10°
• Sunday: Still cold with highs in the low to mid 40s, but conditions improving
• Monday onward: Gradual warming trend begins

Looking Ahead

The extreme cold is short-lived. Monday morning lows low 20s followed by highs climbing to the low 50s, and by Tuesday, mostly sunny with highs near 60-62°. Wednesday brings a chance of showers as the next cold front moves through, but nothing severe.

Stay Weather Ready

This is a serious weather situation, but it’s manageable with preparation. Check on elderly neighbors and those without adequate heat. Make sure your home is properly insulated and your heating system is working. Keep extra blankets, flashlights, and batteries on hand in case of power outages from the gusty winds.

Stay with WALB’s First Alert Weather Team for updates as the arctic air invades the weekend. We’ll continue to monitor conditions and provide you with the latest information to keep you and your family safe.

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