Some parts of metro Atlanta are waking up to freezing weather Thursday.
A freeze warning issued by the National Weather Service has been expanded to include Cherokee and Bartow counties and is scheduled to expire at 9 a.m. Temperatures are in the 20s and 30s across North Georgia, and they are expected to fall even further before sunrise, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan.
“You need the jacket as you head out the door early this morning,” he said. “You won’t need it all day long... we lose this cold start and it’s smooth sailing later this afternoon.”
Temperatures are headed for highs in the low 60s, with Atlanta topping out at 64 degrees, according to Channel 2. Monahan said it won’t feel as chilly Thursday afternoon because there is no strong breeze to impact wind chill.
It should stay dry, he said.
“A sunny sky in our Thursday forecast, and a clear sky tonight,” he said. “But it’s not going to get as cold tomorrow morning. It will be in the 40s instead of the 30s to start your day Friday.”
Friday should also be a dry day before North Georgia is inundated with heavy rain Saturday. A 100% chance of rain comes with a risk of strong to severe storms, according to Channel 2.
The Weather Service has categorized the risk of severe weather as a Level 2 out of 5 for most of North Georgia. Monahan said the primary concerns will be heavy rain and damaging wind gusts, but a tornado is possible in some of the storms Saturday afternoon.
Despite the rain, temperatures should return to the 70s Saturday. Sunday will be the best day for outdoor plans with a low chance of rain and a projected high of 72 degrees, Monahan said.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Despite some early crashes, there are no major delays on metro Atlanta interstates to start the Thursday morning rush, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
However, there are extra delays on a major Gwinnett County highway because of traffic light issues. Traffic reporter Mark Arum said traffic is slowing on Ga. 316 at Hurricane Trail.
“That’s why you’re seeing those big inbound delays early heading to Lawrenceville,” he said.
» 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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