Record low set in Atlanta; cool weather to last through weekend

The mercury dipped to a record low in Atlanta early Wednesday, and forecasters say the unseasonably cool temperatures will continue through the weekend.

The temperature at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport dropped to 59 degrees before daybreak, breaking by 2 degrees the previous record low for the date set in 1936.

Predawn temperatures were even cooler elsewhere across the area, ranging from 53 in Dunwoody and Alpharetta to 56 in Chamblee and Peachtree City and 57 in Marietta.

The normal low for the date is 71 and the normal high is 89.

Channel 2 meteorologist Karen Minton said highs will top out around 84 under sunny skies Wednesday.

A 20 percent chance of rain is forecast for Thursday, along with morning lows in the mid-60s and afternoon highs in the mid-80s.

The rain chance goes up to 50 percent Friday, 60 percent Saturday and 50 percent Sunday, Minton said.

Afternoon highs will be cooler with the rain, topping out in the low 80s Friday through Sunday. Morning lows will be in the mid- to upper 60s.