Southwest Georgia football fans face chilly Friday night, sunny Saturday afternoon

ALBANY — The football action may be heating up across Southwest Georgia this weekend, but the temperatures certainly won’t be.

Fans heading to high school football playoff games Friday night should bring their coats, gloves and perhaps a blanket or two as some of the coldest weather of the fall settles over the region.

The good news? Rain won’t be a problem. The bad news? By the time the fourth quarter rolls around Friday night, temperatures could be dipping into the low to mid-40s.

According to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, a cold front moving through the region will bring clear skies and much cooler temperatures to Southwest Georgia. Friday’s afternoon high in Albany is expected to reach only about 61 degrees before temperatures begin falling after sunset.

By the time most high school playoff games kick off at 7:30 p.m., temperatures should be hovering around 50 degrees. The mercury is expected to drop into the mid-40s by 10 p.m., making for a chilly finish for fans, players, coaches and marching bands.

Northwest winds of 5 to 10 mph could add to the chill, especially for fans sitting in exposed bleachers.

Saturday’s football forecast looks considerably better for those attending the 3 p.m. game in Albany.

After a cold morning that could bring patchy frost to parts of the region, sunshine should push afternoon temperatures into the upper 50s or lower 60s. Fans arriving for Saturday’s game can expect cool but comfortable conditions, with temperatures near 60 degrees at kickoff.

However, those staying until the final whistle may want to keep a jacket handy. Temperatures will begin falling again as the afternoon turns to evening.

The cold snap is part of a larger weather system bringing chilly conditions across Georgia and much of the Southeast.

The National Weather Service is forecasting overnight lows in the mid-30s Friday night, with another cold night expected Saturday. Patchy frost is possible early Saturday and Sunday mornings, particularly in rural areas.

For football fans, the best advice is simple: Dress in layers.

A heavy jacket, gloves and a warm hat will come in handy Friday night, especially for those planning to spend several hours in the stands. Blankets and hand warmers might also be welcome additions.

Saturday afternoon spectators should be comfortable with a jacket or sweatshirt, although those attending the game may want something warmer as the sun begins to set.

Despite the cold, the weather should provide nearly ideal playing conditions. No rain is expected either day, and both games should be played under dry skies.

And for Southwest Georgia football fans, there’s another reason to embrace the chilly weather.

It’s November. It’s playoff football. And a little cold air just makes it feel that much more like football season.

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FOOTBALL WEATHER AT A GLANCE

Friday night, Nov. 13

• Kickoff (7:30 p.m.): Around 50 degrees
• Fourth quarter: Mid-40s
• Conditions: Clear and chilly
• Rain chance: Near zero

Saturday, Nov. 14

• Kickoff (3 p.m.): Around 60 degrees
• Late afternoon: Upper 50s to near 60
• Conditions: Mostly sunny and cool
• Rain chance: Near zero

Forecast: National Weather Service and current Albany hourly weather forecasts.