Strong winds, frigid temps and crisp chill in the air will underscore the outdoor experience in metro Atlanta throughout the day Saturday.
Metro Atlanta residents woke up to an arctic chill that saw the overnight temperatures dip into the 20s and snow flurries fall in some areas. The National Weather Service issued an overnight wind and wind chill advisory for arctic air and “blustery winds” across the state.
Temperatures are not expected to rise beyond the mid-30s all day, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Jennifer Lopez. Saturday’s mid-afternoon high is forecast at 36 degrees.
But strong winds of 15 to 20 mph are expected to last throughout the afternoon. Lopez said some areas have seen wind gusts of nearly 35 mph.
“A lot of wind today, make sure you’re prepared for that,” Lopez advised. “If you’re going to be outside, bundle up. The wind chills, especially through the morning, will be in the single digits to the teens.”
The temperatures will still be below 30 by late morning. They’re not expected to eclipse the freezing point of 32 degrees until the afternoon, Lopez said.
The winds aren’t expected to die down until Saturday night, but the cold will persist.
Overnight temperatures will drop back down into the low 20s heading into Sunday, according to forecasters.
“It’s going to be a brutal, blustery day for us as we move through the afternoon,” she said. “If you’re going to be out there walking your dog, make sure you dress appropriately.”
Locals can look forward to much warmer temperatures and clear skies Sunday, when the high is expected to reach 53 degrees.
The heat wave should continue through early next week. Temperatures could soar into the 60s Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the five-day forecast.
Credit: Channel 2
Credit: Channel 2
Motorists can expect traffic delays and lane closures on roads throughout the metro area.
In Cobb County, lanes will be shut down on Ga. 360 at various location between Sandtown and Macland roads. Crews from the Georgia Department of Transportation will continue resurfacing the roadway.
GDOT will also be out in Fulton County restriping lanes on I-20 near the interchange at I-285 South. One lane will remain closed for about a half-mile leading up to the interchange.
Elsewhere in Fulton, the Ga. 13 Connector will be used for filming for a television series. It’ll be fully closed off from Nalley Way to Buford Highway until 8 p.m. Saturday.
» 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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