SATURDAY’S WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Cool temps, cloudy with possible sprinkles

Small chances of scattered showers are possible, but mostly south of the metro area, according to Channel 2 Meteorologist Glenn Burns.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Small chances of scattered showers are possible, but mostly south of the metro area, according to Channel 2 Meteorologist Glenn Burns.

A mild weather weekend will kick off with relatively cool temperatures, possible scattered showers and very little sun.

If the metro Atlanta area sees rain Saturday, it’s likely to be on the southern side of town, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Glenn Burns. “South Georgia and Middle Georgia may get the benefit from the storm system and the rain,” Burns said, noting a low-pressure weather system stretching along the gulf coast from Louisiana to the Florida panhandle. “But, not so much here,” he said.

“Six o’clock, for your backyard barbecue plans on Saturday — looking pretty good!” Burns said. “Cloudy sky and dry across northern Georgia.”

Little chance of rain Saturday likely means the pollen count will remain extremely high.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

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Credit: Channel 2 Action News

That lack of rain is a double-edged sword this time of year, with pollen creeping back up into the extreme range. “Boy, we could sure use the rain right? Pollen is way up,” Burns said. The pollen count Friday measured 1716 particles per cubic meter of air.

Saturday will start out with a low temperature of 53 degrees and climb to a high of 65 by mid-afternoon, Burns said. That’s relatively cool for mid-April in Atlanta — the average high this time of year is 73 degrees.

A cool, cloudy Saturday will lead into a beautiful Sunday and work week.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

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Credit: Channel 2 Action News

A mostly-sunny Sunday will see temperatures edge back towards that average, and the lovely weather is expected to continue through the beginning of the next work week. Temperatures will be in the low- to mid-70s and sunny, though there’s a possibility of rain at the end of next week.

Good weather and no major sporting events in town should set the stage for a relatively smooth traffic weekend. In southwest Atlanta, there will be flagging operations on Campbellton Road near the intersection with Boat Rock Road and New Hope Road, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Northwest of Atlanta, look for daytime flagging on Ga. 360 in Cobb County and Paulding County. Work crews will begin widening the state route, which includes Powder Springs Road and Macland Road. There will also be the usual lane closures and traffic pacing near the junction of Ga. 400 and I-285 as progress continues on the Transform 285/400 project.

» 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.

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