Northern suburbs could see snow New Year's Eve; Atlanta's rain record unlikely to fall

While Atlanta will likely experience a wet New Year's Eve, North Georgia's may be white.

Rain is likely Thursday, with the chance increasing to 70 percent early in the night into 7 a.m. New Year's Day. Areas from Cherokee County northward could see some snow mixed in, with a possibility of minor accumulations in the mountain counties. Highs Thursday will be in the mid-40s, with lows in the 30s.

Chilly temperatures are expected throughout the week, falling into the 20s Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service said.

Highs will be in the upper-40s, with lows falling to around 30 degrees Tuesday night. Cloudy skies return on Wednesday, with a 50 percent chance of rain predicted after 1 p.m. The chance of rain increases to 70 percent Wednesday night. Highs will be in the mid-40s, with lows in the mid-30s.

The rain starting Wednesday is unlikely to push Atlanta past the rainfall record of 71.18 inches, set in 1948, the weather service said. No more than a 1/2 inch is expected, a forecaster said.

Skies will clear New Year's Day, though temperatures will remain about the same: high in the mid-40s, low in mid-30s.