With less than three weeks to go until the start of spring, and highs in the mid-70s in Wednesday’s forecast, it looks like North Georgia could be done with the winter weather.
Above-average temperatures are in the forecast at least through next week, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan. All signs point to spring, he said, with none signaling a return to winter before the spring equinox on Sunday, March 20.
“You have several days to enjoy this warm weather,” Monahan said. “The cold air is going to stay locked up in Canada away to our north over the next few days. Thursday and Friday, temperatures are going to climb up above 70 degrees, and it gets even warmer over the weekend.”
By Sunday, some neighborhoods could top 80 degrees, according to the latest forecast. Atlanta’s projected high is 79 degrees to end the weekend.
Credit: weather
Credit: weather
The average high for this time of year is 62 degrees. Monahan said a high of 75 degrees Wednesday will feel more like late April than early March. This weekend, it will feel more like May, he said.
While afternoon temperatures are well above average, morning temperatures are right on target. Lows in the 40s in metro Atlanta on Wednesday morning are chilly but seasonable.
“Out the door, you will want that jacket,” Monahan said. “It is a little chilly this morning, but later today after school, the kids they are going to have the short sleeves and the shorts on. It’s going to be beautiful for outdoor activities.”
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Rain does not return to the forecast until next week, he said. With the warm and dry conditions, pollen counts are expected to rise. The count was moderate Tuesday at 59 pollen particles per cubic meter of air, but Monahan expects a big jump in pollen levels when the count is released Wednesday.
The Wednesday morning drive is off to a smooth start, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center. There are “no delays, no hangups” on the Downtown Connector at 6:30 a.m., and traffic is moving at the speed limit in both directions.
Overnight construction projects wrapped up on time, and lanes are open on Ga. 400 South near I-285 and on I-285 North at Glenwood Road, the Traffic Center reported.
“Overall, we’re seeing a good ride,” traffic reporter Mike Shields said.
» 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.
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