THURSDAY’S WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Warm all day with temperatures near record highs

Metro Atlanta is getting a break from the rain Thursday as warm and humid conditions settle in.

Temperatures are in the 50s and 60s to start the day, but they will top out near 80 degrees this afternoon, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan. Atlanta’s projected high of 77 is two degrees below the record high set in 2018.

A high of 77 degrees Thursday would fall just two degrees short of the record set in 2018.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

icon to expand image

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

It will feel more like late April or early May, Monahan said. With a mix of clouds and sunshine in the forecast, he said there should be nothing to get in the way of outdoor plans.

“I hope you get a chance to enjoy the weather at some point today,” he said. “Please, get outside and enjoy what is going to be a beautiful day.”

The warmth and humidity are contributing to areas of fog Thursday morning. Parts of North Georgia are under a dense fog advisory until 9 a.m.

After the rain Wednesday, Monahan said the region is looking at a mainly dry day Thursday. Atlanta recorded about two-tenths of an inch of rainfall Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Higher amounts were recorded in northwest Georgia and in the mountains, where numerous flood warnings remain in effect.

No umbrella is needed Thursday with warm and dry weather in the forecast, according to Channel 2 Action News.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

icon to expand image

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Saturday will also be mainly dry, but North Georgia has another shot at rain Friday morning, Monahan said. A 30% chance of rain is in the forecast for Atlanta and neighborhoods to the north.

“You might need the umbrella to start the day Friday, but you will not need it to finish the day,” he said.

Monahan said the showers will be triggered by a cold front arriving overnight that will return temperatures back to seasonal levels. Rain should dry out by about midday Friday and cooler weather is in the forecast for the afternoon, he said.

Friday’s projected high is 66 degrees, according to Channel 2. Highs are expected to drop back into the 50s for the weekend.

“We’ll catch a break to start your weekend, and then Sunday to finish the weekend we’re going to have some rain to deal with as well,” Monahan said. “Saturday is going to be your better day for outdoor plans.”

A cold front arriving overnight could bring big changes Friday, triggering morning showers and dropping temperatures back to seasonal levels, according to Channel 2 Action News.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

icon to expand image

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Pavement may be dry Thursday, but the morning commute has trouble all its own after a series of predawn crashes on I-75, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.

“It’s like the domino effect,” traffic reporter Mike Shields said. “One clears, another one happens.”

The I-75 latest crash was blocking multiple lanes in Clayton County headed to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Those looking to catch a flight Thursday morning might want to pack their patience.

» 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.