A cold front moving into North Georgia on Friday will usher in some big changes for Memorial Day weekend.
The front will come with a storm chance, but it’s the change in temperatures that will make the biggest impact, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said. The region will have to endure above-average heat for two more days, he said, before cooler weather in the low 80s arrives this weekend.
“As we turn corner from the hot, the humid weather, the summer preview we’ve had this week, we’re going to get a nice cooldown for the weekend,” Monahan said. “Not chilly, but comfortable temperatures for the weekend.”
Atlanta’s projected high Thursday is 88 degrees. Friday will see another 88-degree high before the cold front moves out and cooler, drier air moves in behind it, Monahan said.
While the heat and humidity remain high Thursday, Monahan said sprinkles are 30% likely. The rain should be timed along with the evening commute.
“Maybe you are going to get your holiday weekend started early, hitting the roads and trying to get a jump on the traffic this afternoon, be aware there’s going to be a few showers around today,” Monahan said.
While no severe weather is in the forecast Thursday, storms could develop Friday afternoon as the cold front moves through. Friday’s rain chance is 60%, according to Channel 2.
“This will be the activity that could get a little strong tomorrow afternoon,” Monahan said. “Late afternoon, early evening on Friday some storms could have some heavy rain, some gusty wind, especially here in northwest Georgia.”
He expects the storms to move through metro Atlanta after 7 p.m. Friday. Once they’re gone, Monahan said the passing front will “set us up for a really nice Memorial Day weekend.”
After a 10% chance of showers early Saturday, there is no rain in Channel 2′s forecast through Monday. Afternoon temperatures should stick to the upper 70s and low 80s.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
There are no major delays on metro Atlanta interstates at the start of the Thursday morning drive, but volume could pick up later Thursday as holiday travelers mix with commuters, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
The only slow zone Thursday morning is I-20 West through DeKalb County. An earlier crash knocked out a right lane near Panola Road before authorities cleared the scene. There were still about 45 minutes of delays between the Mall at Stonecrest and I-285 at 6:30 a.m., according to the Traffic Center.
» 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.
» Download The Atlanta Journal-Constitution app for weather alerts on-the-go.
About the Author
