Amid the cold in Georgia, here are 4 things to know: animal safety, setting your thermostat and more

Preparing for cold weather in the Peach State? There's much to know, from whether you should let your car warm up, to what to set your thermostat at, to what you should know about animals in the cold.

Our coverage below gives you important tips on winter preparedness, and a peek at the forecast this winter.

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NO. 1: BELOW FREEZING WEATHER HEADING TO GA SOON SO HERE’S WHERE TO SET YOUR THERMOSTAT TO SAVE MONEY

Georgia’s first widespread freeze is expected soon and with temperatures dropping into the 20s and 30s across much of the state, heaters will be clicking on statewide. | Published November 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sundi Rose

A car goes through the intersection of Pimlico Parkway and Carriage Lane with the stop sign covered in snow as the city was hit with a weekend snowstorm Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 in Lexington, Ky. By Brian Simms

NO. 2: IS IT ILLEGAL IN GA TO LEAVE A CAR RUNNING TO WARM UP IN THE COLD? WHAT THE LAW SAYS

Georgia used to have a state law that made it unlawful to leave your car engine running, but it was repealed by the legislature in July 2007. | Published November 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sundi Rose

Tabby McTaberson may not like to come inside, but he still wants to be warm. By Mike Haskey

NO. 3: AS GA GETS COLDER, STRAY ANIMALS ARE AT RISK. HERE ARE WAYS TO BEST HELP THEM WITHOUT ADOPTING

Georgia is estimated to have around 500,000 stray cats and dogs that are not in shelters or homes and roam loose. | Published November 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sundi Rose

La Niña, the conditions that exist when water temperatures in the Pacific are cooler than normal at the equator, is a major influence on North America's weather. (NOAA/TNS)

NO. 4: WILL LA NIñA FREEZE OUT GA & BRING MORE SNOW OR DRY THE STATE UP THIS WINTER? HERE’S THE FORECAST

Georgia residents may be ready for sweater weather, but according to the phenomenon, La Nińa, we are in for a much hotter and drier winter. | Published November 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sundi Rose

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.