Chilly weather continuing through Thanksgiving weekend across metro Atlanta

Thanksgiving’s crisp, chilly weather pattern is extending into the holiday weekend across the Peach State.

For those hitting the shops early to catch Black Friday deals, you won’t need an umbrella, but you will need a heavy jacket.

“If you’re feeling a little bit tired still from all the fun and festivities (Thursday), that cold air will definitely get you going,” Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Eboni Deon said. “You will feel it the moment you step outside, and it’s going to be with us all day long.”

Friday morning temperatures are at or near freezing, with some parts of the North Georgia mountains even hitting the 20-degree range. And while afternoon highs should climb into the 40s in metro Atlanta, the wind will make it feel a few degrees colder despite sunny skies.

These high temps are more in line with the typical low — 41 degrees — for this time of year. The average high is 61 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Nightfall will bring temps that are so cold across the northern part of the state that some local governments are keeping their warming centers open for those who don’t have access to heat.

It’s staying dry, too. No rain is in the forecast at least through Sunday, when there is a 60% chance of showers.

But in the lead-up to those showers, it will be so dry the NWS has issued a fire danger statement as humidity is projected to be low. With nearly 82% of the state under some level of drought, there is plenty of fuel for wildfires.

Sunday’s showers are expected just in time for the holiday period’s second busiest travel day as many hit the roads to head home. The chance of rain is expected to linger into at least the first half of next week, too.

Temps are also projected to stay in the 50-degree range for the foreseeable future.