FRIDAY’S WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Rounds of rain likely as heat, humidity rise

There’s is plenty of tropical moisture left behind from Tropical Storm Elsa to fuel more rounds of showers and storms Friday, according to Channel 2 Action News.

The combination of humidity and rising heat could amount to some heavy downpours in North Georgia. Channel 2 meteorologist Eboni Deon expects the first round of rain to get going late Friday morning and the second to move in later in the evening.

“Just keep that umbrella close by as you’ll probably get some good use out of it, at least at some point during the day,” she said.

Rain is likely to start in the northernmost part of the state around the lunch hour before shifting to the south and east, according to Channel 2. Deon said none of the storms Friday should turn severe.

The projected high for Atlanta is 87 degrees.

“We’ll feel that heat building in on Saturday, too,” Deon said. Saturday’s projected high is 88. “The first half of the weekend is pretty hot. It’s going to be the drier of the two days.”

She said Saturday will be dry for any morning plans, but spotty showers and storms will develop in the afternoon. The rain chance drops to just 40%, down from Friday’s 70% chance of showers and storms, according to Channel 2.

“Temperatures will stay in the upper 80s, and we are going to see that rain chance bumping up to about 60% on Sunday,” Deon said.

Roads may be dry Friday morning, but there are delays all across metro Atlanta as the morning commute enters full swing.

An investigation has shut down the ramp from the northbound Downtown Connector to I-20 West, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center. Traffic is being diverted, resulting in delays downtown.

There is a large police presence on the scene.

And in Clayton County, only one right lane is open on I-75 North at Ga. 54, the Traffic Center reported at 7 a.m. Commuters should use I-675 instead.