Not only is this the hottest October day on record in Atlanta, thousands of baseball fans are flocking to sit in SunTrust Park for the Braves’ playoff opener, affecting Cobb County roads.
With Atlanta hovering in the mid-90s, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Katie Walls said fans should plan for “one of the hottest first pitches ever.” The National League Division Series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals is set to begin at 5:02 p.m.
RELATED: Weather for Thursday's Atlanta Braves playoff game: expect a sizzler
The rush to Cobb County hasn't been too bad, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center, and I-285 and I-75 are seeing only minor delays headed toward Smyrna.
MORE: Game time set for Braves' first playoff game Thursday
Baseball can’t be blamed for delays in Gwinnett County, though, since roadwork on I-85 North at Pleasant Hill Road created backups spanning to the Perimeter, the Traffic Center reported. The roadwork has finished, but the delays remain.
Atlanta peaked at 98 degrees so far, which shattered the previous daily record of 94, set in 1911, Channel 2 reported. That’s 20 degrees above the average high for this time of year.
When the city hit that peak, it also broke a record set Wednesday for the hottest October day since records began in 1878. Wednesday’s high was 96 degrees. The previous record of 95 was set on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6 in 1954, Channel 2 reported.
MORE: Why is it still so hot?
The temperature is expected to cool down a degree or two by first pitch, and it should drop to 91 by the seventh inning, according to the latest forecast.
“By the ninth inning, temperatures will still be running in the upper 80s and feeling more like the dead of August,” Walls said.
Water stations will be set up for fans 2½ hours before the first pitch to help guests stay hydrated. Cooling stations will also be set up throughout the stadium.
If two broken records weren’t enough, Thursday also ties a record set in 2011 for the most days at or above 90 degrees within a year, Channel 2 reported. The city has hit that mark 90 times in 2019, and if the latest forecast holds true, Friday will break the record.
Atlanta typically reaches the 90-degree mark 37 days a year, but 2019 has not been typical.
» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page .
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