Kicking off with December climate in Atlanta, the final month of the yr on this southern metropolis is marked by chilly temperatures, reasonable precipitation, and occasional excessive climate occasions.
The common excessive temperature in December is round 52°F (11°C), whereas the low temperature averages 38°F (3°C). Precipitation is reasonable, with a mean of 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) falling all through the month, typically within the type of rain or transient snow showers.
December Climate Patterns in Atlanta
December is the coldest month in Atlanta, with temperatures steadily dropping as winter takes maintain. This era marks the start of the dry season, however it may possibly nonetheless carry occasional precipitation. Listed below are the everyday climate patterns to count on in Atlanta throughout December.
Typical Climate Circumstances
December’s common excessive temperature in Atlanta is round 52°F (11°C), whereas the common low temperature is round 35°F (2°C). It isn’t unusual for temperatures to drop under freezing, particularly on clear nights. The common quantity of precipitation in December is roughly 3.7 inches (94 mm), with a mean of 12 days seeing some type of precipitation.
- Low Temperature Occasions: Atlanta can expertise chilly fronts that carry temperatures down considerably, generally to as little as 20°F (-7°C) or decrease. These occasions are sometimes short-lived however could be intense, prompting winter climate advisories.
- Freezing Temperatures: It isn’t unusual for Atlanta to expertise a number of days of temperatures under freezing, particularly in January and February. Town’s elevation and proximity to the Tennessee River contribute to those situations.
- Rainfall and Thunderstorms: Though Atlanta’s dry season has begun, some precipitation occasions should happen. These can vary from gentle drizzles to intense thunderstorms, typically accompanied by gusty winds.
Atlanta’s climate patterns in December are influenced by two major atmospheric situations: the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Arctic Oscillation (AO).
- North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO): The NAO has a big affect on winter climate patterns within the Northern Hemisphere, together with Atlanta. Throughout constructive NAO phases, temperatures within the North Atlantic are unusually excessive, resulting in hotter situations over the southeastern United States.
- Arctic Oscillation (AO): AO performs an important function in regulating the jet stream, which in flip impacts temperature and precipitation patterns. Throughout damaging AO phases, the jet stream can turn out to be extra meridional, permitting chilly Arctic air to sink southward and produce chilly temperatures to the southeastern United States.
Excessive Climate Occasions
December in Atlanta is just not with out its excessive climate occasions, together with
snowfall occasions, freezing rain, and freezing fog.
- Snowfall: Though uncommon, Atlanta can expertise snowfall occasions throughout December, usually accompanied by freezing temperatures and ice accumulation. Snowfall averages round 1 inch (2.5 cm) in December, however some years have seen extra vital quantities.
- Harmful Ice Circumstances: Freezing temperatures can result in hazardous ice situations on roads, resulting in accidents and site visitors disruptions.
Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns: December Climate In Atlanta
Atlanta in December usually experiences a comparatively drier interval compared to the earlier months, with the common precipitation ranges barely reducing as winter approaches. Though the temperatures are cooler in December, the general precipitation ranges in Atlanta should not as vital as throughout the spring and summer time months. This lower in precipitation ranges is as a result of metropolis’s location within the southeastern United States, removed from main climate patterns like Pacific storms and hurricane tracks.
Common Precipitation Ranges in December
In keeping with the Nationwide Facilities for Environmental Data (NCEI), the common precipitation in Atlanta in December is roughly 3.5 inches. It is a results of the common of 10 wet days, with the bulk being gentle rain showers. Whereas these numbers could appear low, it is important to notice that town’s precipitation patterns fluctuate significantly relying on the particular month of the yr.
- Common month-to-month precipitation: 3.5 inches
- Variety of wet days: 10 days on common
Evaluating December Precipitation with Different Months
Atlanta’s precipitation patterns in December differ considerably from these skilled throughout different months of the yr. Whereas the spring and summer time months usually see increased ranges of precipitation on account of thunderstorms and tropical cyclones, winter months like December expertise comparatively drier situations. Compared to November, December is normally drier however not considerably so, with a lower in precipitation ranges of roughly 0.2 inches.
| Month | Common Precipitation (inches) | Variety of Wet Days |
|---|---|---|
| December | 3.5 inches | 10 days on common |
| November | 3.7 inches | 11 days on common |
Snowfall Totals in December
Whereas snowfall is uncommon in Atlanta, December is usually the month with probably the most vital possibilities of snow. In keeping with information from the Nationwide Climate Service, the common snowfall in Atlanta in December is round 0.4 inches. Whereas this may occasionally not sound like quite a bit, it is important to notice that snowfall occasions in Atlanta could be vital, leading to college closures, site visitors disruptions, and different associated points.
| Month | Common Snowfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| December | 0.4 inches |
Different Types of Precipitation in December
Along with rain and snow, Atlanta can expertise different types of precipitation in December. Fog is a typical prevalence, particularly throughout the morning hours, whereas sleet and freezing rain can even affect the world. Whereas these occasions could not happen often, they’ll nonetheless trigger disruptions to on a regular basis life, making it important to remain knowledgeable in regards to the newest climate updates.
- Fog: frequent within the morning hours, particularly when temperatures drop considerably in a single day
- Sleet and Freezing Rain: occasional occasions that may trigger vital disruptions
Climate Hazards in December
December in Atlanta brings a mixture of winter climate patterns, together with chilly fronts, winter storms, and even the occasional twister. Whereas town is well-equipped to deal with snowfall, its lack of expertise with vital winter storms typically results in disruptions in day by day life.
Sorts of Extreme Climate in December
Winter storms and ice storms are the commonest kinds of extreme climate that happen in December in Atlanta. These occasions can carry vital disruptions to transportation, energy, and day by day life. Tornadoes, whereas much less frequent, can happen throughout December, particularly within the southeastern United States.
Vital Climate Occasions in December
- Winter Storm of 1989: On December 8, 1989, a robust winter storm introduced vital snowfall to Atlanta, with some areas receiving over 10 inches of snow. The storm precipitated widespread disruptions, with roads turning into impassable and over 100,000 folks shedding energy.
- Ice Storm of 2000: On December 14, 2000, a robust chilly entrance introduced a big space of freezing rain to Atlanta, inflicting widespread energy outages and disruptions. The storm left over 500,000 households with out energy and precipitated an estimated $10 million in damages.
- Twister Outbreak of 2002: On December 10-11, 2002, a robust storm system introduced a collection of tornadoes to the southeastern United States, together with a number of in Georgia. The outbreak precipitated vital harm and claimed 7 lives, with over 200 accidents reported.
These climate occasions spotlight the potential dangers and challenges related to December climate in Atlanta. Whereas town is well-prepared to deal with many of those occasions, it’s important for residents to stay vigilant and take essential precautions throughout extreme climate.
Precautions and Preparations
The Metropolis of Atlanta and its emergency administration businesses take numerous precautions to arrange for and reply to extreme climate occasions in December. These preparations embody:
- Activation of the Emergency Operations Heart (EOC) to coordinate response efforts
- Issuance of well timed climate alerts and warnings to residents
- Deployment of snowplows and different winter upkeep tools to clear roads
- Activation of emergency shelters and warming facilities for these in want
- Cooperation with utility corporations to revive energy and different important companies
Planning for December Climate
Planning for the winter season in Atlanta requires preparation for the altering climate situations. Town can expertise delicate temperatures, heavy precipitation, and occasional snowfall, making it important for residents to be ready. On this part, we’ll talk about methods for staying secure throughout extreme climate occasions and supply a comparability of various components of town to assist residents plan for the winter season.
Winter Climate Comparability in Atlanta
Completely different components of Atlanta can expertise various climate situations throughout the winter season. Understanding these variations may help residents plan accordingly.
| Area | Common Temperature (°F) | Precipitation (in) | Wind Circumstances |
| — | — | — | — |
| Downtown Atlanta | 45-50 | 3-4 | Mild breezes |
| Inman Park | 40-45 | 4-5 | Average winds |
| Buckhead | 45-50 | 2-3 | Mild winds |
| Marietta | 40-45 | 5-6 | Sturdy gusts |
| Decatur | 42-47 | 3-4 | Variable winds |
Staying Protected Throughout Extreme Climate Occasions, December climate in atlanta
Extreme climate occasions can pose a big menace to residents’ security. It’s important to have a plan in place to make sure everybody’s well-being.
* Put together a winter emergency package with important objects, reminiscent of a primary help package, flashlights, batteries, and heat blankets.
* Have a backup plan for different warmth and light-weight sources in case of energy outages.
* Create a communication plan with members of the family, together with a chosen assembly spot and get in touch with data.
* Keep knowledgeable about climate situations by means of dependable sources, such because the Nationwide Climate Service.
* Hold a battery-powered radio and a NOAA Climate Radio available to remain up to date on climate alerts and forecasts.
* Think about investing in a generator or putting in hurricane shutters to guard your property from sturdy winds and heavy precipitation.
Various Warmth and Mild Sources
Within the occasion of an influence outage, having a backup plan for warmth and light-weight sources is usually a lifesaver.
* Transportable turbines can present electrical energy for important home equipment, reminiscent of fridges, computer systems, and medical tools.
* Candles and lanterns can present gentle, however use warning to keep away from fires.
* Fireplaces and woodstoves can be utilized for heating, however ensure that to observe security tips and have a carbon monoxide detector.
* Photo voltaic-powered chargers can be utilized to cost units, reminiscent of telephones and laptops.
* Battery-powered lights, reminiscent of flashlights and LED candles, can present dependable and secure lighting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, December climate in Atlanta is characterised by cooler temperatures, reasonable precipitation, and occasional excessive climate occasions. It’s important for residents to be ready for these situations and take essential precautions to remain secure throughout the winter season.
Q&A
Q: What’s the common snowfall in December in Atlanta?
A: The common snowfall in December in Atlanta is about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), however it’s not unusual for town to expertise extra vital snowfall occasions each few years.
Q: What are the commonest kinds of precipitation in December in Atlanta?
A: The commonest kinds of precipitation in December in Atlanta are rain and snow showers, with freezing rain and sleet additionally potential.
Q: What’s the common temperature in Atlanta in December?
A: The common excessive temperature in December is round 52°F (11°C), whereas the low temperature averages 38°F (3°C).
