WEDNESDAY’S WEATHER: After chilly morning, highs in the 70s return

North Georgia will have to get through one more chilly morning before springlike warmth returns Wednesday afternoon.

With morning lows in the 30s and 40s, it feels more like winter in metro Atlanta, and a frost advisory is in effect in the mountains. Temperatures will return to the 70s this afternoon, and highs in the 80s are just a few days away, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan.

Frost advisory until 9am over the NE GA mountains -- light wind and cold temps will allow some patchy frost to form.

Tracking a warm up in the days ahead though -- now on Channel 2! @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/JdqsapIG2d
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) April 20, 2022

“A jacket, you are going to need that this morning,” Monahan said. “You are not going to need it this afternoon. Just a few more clouds today. Great for outdoor plans and afterschool activities for your Wednesday, then really warming up toward the end of the week.”

Monahan is expecting less sunshine than on Tuesday, but warmer conditions with a projected high of 72 degrees in the city. That’s still a few degrees below average for this time of year.

Atlanta will return to average temperatures Thursday with a projected high of 76, according to Channel 2.

Warmest weather of the year is headed our way this weekend -- as temperatures climb toward the mid 80s in spots.

I'm taking you through the warm up now through 7am on Channel 2! @wsbtv
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) April 20, 2022

“What might not be so nice with these warm temperatures? The pollen count its still kicking out there,” Monahan said.

Atlanta Allergy and Asthma, the organization that tracks the daily pollen count, on Tuesday recorded 1,423 pollen particles per cubic meter of air, which fell just shy of the extreme range. With no rain in the forecast, Monahan is expecting another high count Wednesday.

Believe it or not, he said, this pollen season has been an improvement on last year’s.

“In 2021, we had 51 days with high or extreme pollen counts,” Monahan said. “This year, only 34. The reason for that? Actually a little bit cooler this year, also a little bit wetter. That helps limit the pollen.”

There is no rain in the forecast all the way through the weekend, which could contribute to rising pollen counts. Warm weather could also make levels soar, and Monahan is expecting highs in the mid-80s by Sunday.