After an unusually rainy February, a sunny weekend has brought some welcome relief to metro Atlanta residents.

The nice weather is expected to stick around through Sunday, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Eboni Deon said.

Enjoy the sunshine while you can, however, because rain is expected to return to North Georgia on Monday.

Since Jan. 1, Atlanta has seen nearly 17.5 inches of rainfall. That’s up almost 10 inches from the city’s average of 7.72 through this time of the year.

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Credit: Channel 2 Action News

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Credit: Channel 2 Action News

“Take advantage of the dry weather because once the rain returns — you know the drill — it’s going to stick around,” Deon said.

Sunday is expected to get off to a pretty chilly start, so it might be best to bring a jacket to any early morning activities.

Things should start to warm up about noon ahead of an afternoon high of 57 degrees.

The Atlanta Beltline will undoubtedly be crowded this weekend, but emergency repairs will keep one section blocked off, according to the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management. A sinkhole near the Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall restaurant prompted crews to close the walking trail between Irwin Street and Montag Circle.

RELATED: Portion of Atlanta Beltline's Eastside Trail closed for sinkhole repairs

Officials with the Beltline aren’t sure how long the closure will last.

By Monday, a warm front moving through the state is expected to bring widespread rain that could be heavy at times, Deon said.

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» 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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