Atlanta could see 80 degrees Wednesday

ATLANTA FORECAST

Today: Breezy. High: 71

Tonight: Clear. Low: 36

Tomorrow: Sunny and breezy. High: 81

» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.

After a morning of near-freezing temperatures, Atlanta reached the 70s Tuesday afternoon.

Dry air allowed “for big temperature swings,” according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brad Nitz.

Atlanta experienced a 40-degree change between the morning low (36) and afternoon high (76), Channel 2 reported. The projected high was 71.

The current temperature is 68 degrees.

“Even warmer weather arrives tomorrow,” Channel 2 meteorologist Karen Minton said. Wednesday’s forecast high is 82 degrees, according to Channel 2.

Atlanta came close to tying a 113-year-old record low of 31 degrees early Tuesday, according to Channel 2.

“We missed the record low in Atlanta by 5 degrees,” Nitz said.

And far North Georgia was under a freeze warning until 9 a.m.

A cold front is expected overnight Thursday, but that won’t lower temperatures, Channel 2 Chief meteorologist Glenn Burns said. There is a 20 percent chance of rain that day with a high of 70.

“There’ll be limited moisture available,” Burns said. “So, there may be a sprinkle or two or a light shower, but no more than that.”