ATLANTA (AP) — Temperatures are expected to plunge into the mid-20s early Wednesday in metro Atlanta, while a freeze watch will cover several counties in south Georgia.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service say arctic air is in place over much of the nation, and temperatures are expected to be well below average over the next week.

In south Georgia, low temperatures are expected to be 28 to 30 degrees in several counties. A freeze watch for the area will be in effect through early Wednesday morning.

Cities included in the freeze watch area include Albany, Tifton, Fitzgerald, Moultrie, Bainbridge and Valdosta.

In the north Georgia mountains, temperatures are expected to fall into the teens early Wednesday morning. In Blairsville, for instance, Wednesday morning's low is projected to be 19 degrees.