Atlanta officials announced Saturday that two warming centers will open at 8 p.m. on Saturday and remain open until 10 a.m. Sunday to provide shelter for residents as a freeze warning moves across the metro area. The move aims to keep vulnerable populations safe from temperatures that the National Weather Service (NWS) says could drop as low as 29 °F in parts of north and central Georgia.

According to a news release from the Mayor’s Office of Communications, the centers are located at Central Park Recreation Center, 400 Merritts Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, and Selena S. Butler Park and Recreation Center, 98 William Holmes Borders Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30312, the latter reserved for women and children. Transportation to the sites will be provided at 8 p.m. from the Gateway Center, and Fulton County will offer return rides when the centers close Sunday morning.

The NWS issued a freeze warning for much of north and central Georgia from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Sunday. Forecasts call for Saturday afternoon highs around 55 °F, followed by rapid cooling after sunset with overnight lows near freezing and widespread frost expected by early Sunday. Sunday morning temperatures are projected to fall into the upper 20s and low 30s, the coldest of the season so far for many communities.

City officials urged residents to protect sensitive plants, insulate exposed plumbing, and take other precautions against freezing conditions. While the cold snap is expected to be brief, temperatures should rebound to the mid‑50s on Sunday afternoon under mostly sunny skies.What’s next: The NWS will continue to monitor conditions, and the city says operating hours for the warming centers may change based on updated forecasts. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local weather alerts and to use the provided transportation options if they need shelter during the freeze.

Sources: cbsnews.com