December in Atlanta typically means chilly weather, but not on Thursday.
The average high for this time of year is 56 degrees, but the city is already in the low 50s on Thursday morning. It will breeze right past that benchmark, topping out at a projected 64 degrees later this afternoon, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan.
After a brief dip in temperatures Wednesday, Monahan said the region is “warming right back up.”
“By tomorrow we’ll be up near 70,” he said. “There is a very slight chance of a shower today and tomorrow, but if you’ve got things to do outside, don’t cancel them. Go right ahead with those plans.”
Showers will be spotty Thursday and Friday, with a low 20% chance of rain both days, he said. North Georgia won’t get so lucky Saturday, when showers are 80% likely, according to Channel 2.
A jet stream coming off the Pacific Ocean has provided warm air all week, and Friday will be even warmer still, Monahan said. He is predicting a high of 70 degrees Friday, 5 degrees below the record set in 1933. A projected low of 51 degrees is well above the average 38 for this time of year, but well below the record of 62 set in 2008.
“Not normal December weather, but beautiful weather to get done whatever you’ve got to get done for the holidays, or maybe get some outdoor activities in,” Monahan said. “The next couple of days look really nice all across North Georgia.”
Conditions will turn wetter Saturday and cooler Sunday, he said. After rain moves in to start the weekend, Monahan is expecting temperatures to drop into the 40s Sunday morning. A high of 57 degrees is forecast for Sunday, a return to seasonal levels.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Volume is increasing on metro Atlanta interstates, but there are no issues at the start of the Thursday morning drive, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
No crashes or interstate closures were causing delays at 6:30 a.m., traffic reporter Heather Catlin said. Even in North Fulton, where an earlier crash shut down the southbound lanes of Ga. 400 in Sandy Springs, traffic is flowing smoothly at the start of the commute.
» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @ajcwsbtraffic on Twitter.
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