ATLANTA — Forecasters say a freeze warning covering a large part of Georgia, including the Gainesville area, will be in effect from 4 a.m. until 8 a.m. Saturday.

The National Weather Service said in a statement that recently budded plants and trees that are susceptible to frost and freeze will likely be damaged or killed if left unprotected.

Several counties are included in the warning, which includes the cities of LaGrange, Athens, Dalton and Rome, along with all of the communities in the Atlanta metro.

A frost advisory covers areas further south, and includes the cities of Macon, Columbus, Americus and Vidalia.Tonight's forecast low is around 36 degrees. Saturday, sunny skies are expected to warm temperatures to the uppper 60s by afternoon.

Sunday, clouds will return with a high near 69. Rain is expected back in the area by Monday.