Taking a look at the average highs and lows for Metro Atlanta, the forecast temperatures for this weekend are more on par for February 1-10, not April 8-10!
In the satellite imagery below, notice how the clouds are swirling counterclockwise, with the winds blowing from the west-northwest. The clouds are associated with the upper level low, which is pulling Arctic air south into Metro Atlanta.
These cold temperatures are courtesy of an upper level low spinning over the Great Lakes, funneling chilly air as far south as Alabama and Georgia.
For Atlanta, the record low temperature on Saturday morning is 32 degrees, set back in 2000. The Sunday morning record low is also 32 degrees, set in 1938. Many suburban areas may reach these record low temperature, and communities Inside the Perimeter will dip into the mid to upper 30s!
This can be considered a “Dogwood Winter”, which usually occurs in April through early May when morning temperatures dip to near freezing right as the dogwoods come to bloom. It usually is not a good idea to plant cold-sensitive plants and crops until after “Dogwood Winter” passes.
A good “rule of thumb” for planting cold-sensitive veggies and herbs is to wait until after April 15, or “Tax Day”. The majority of the “latest spring freezes” would take place by this time.
Fun Fact: The record latest Spring Freeze for Atlanta is April 25, 1910. In the Athens area, the record latest Spring Freeze is April 21, 1953.
Below is additional information from the National Weather Service in Peachtree City.