THURSDAY’S WEATHER | Cloudy, mild afternoon ahead of rainy spell

It’s another cold morning in metro Atlanta on Thursday, but not as cold as it was the day before.

“Dress in layers because it’s not going to be so cold this afternoon,” Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said. “Yesterday we stayed in the mid 50s. Today we’re headed for the low 60s — should feel pretty good this afternoon.”

It’ll be sunny for the first half of the day, but that sunshine will gradually fade behind increasing clouds as the day winds down, Monahan said.

No rain is in store today, so it’s a great time to get any outdoor chores crossed off the list if you can because heavy rain is on the way. The first round of showers will arrive tomorrow morning. While it won’t be a complete wash out Friday, “it is going to be kind of messy at times,” Monahan said.

Saturday and Sunday will bring heavier, more widespread showers. Many areas may see two inches or more of rain, and some could see up to four inches.

That rain is desperately needed, as we are still under moderate to severe drought conditions across the metro, and extreme to exceptional conditions further north. So far this season, we have only seen about half as much rain as we typically see, Monahan said.

“Just to remind you, this is as dry as it’s been in about seven years,” he said. “This would really help us catch up on that drought. A good soaking is possible at times all the way through the weekend.”