WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Coldest start since January, then back to the 50s

North Georgia is following up its first freeze of the season with even lower temperatures Wednesday.

Temperatures in the teens and 20s across the region are downright frigid, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan. A low of 28 degrees in Atlanta is the coldest start since late January.

Those who can’t handle freezing temperatures need only hang on a little longer, Monahan said.

“No snowflakes out there this morning, and by the afternoon we’ll have temperatures back into the 50s,” he said. “It is cold though right now, you need that heavy coat to start the day.”

Metro Atlanta should end up about 10 degrees above Tuesday afternoon’s highs in the mid-40s, according to Channel 2. Atlanta’s projected high is 54 degrees, about four degrees below average for this time of year.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

With dry air in place, no rain is in the forecast Wednesday. Monahan said North Georgia will enjoy a mostly sunny sky.

“It gets warmer by Friday, but it also gets wetter,” he said. “We’ve got some rain to go through for the end of the week.”

Monahan is predicting a high of 56 degrees Thursday and 58 degrees Friday before the rain moves in. Showers are 60% likely Friday and 20% likely early Saturday, but he said things should dry out by Saturday afternoon.

Once the rain moves out, temperatures drop again. Another freezing start is in the forecast Sunday, according to Channel 2.

There may not be any weather impacts to travel Wednesday, but a deadly crash on the Southside has the potential to tie up traffic for much of the morning drive.

Authorities have been on the scene of the wreck on I-85 North at Flat Shoals Road since before 3 a.m., according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center. Union City police confirmed at least one person was killed but have released no other details.

Northbound traffic is being diverted onto Ga. 138.

“If you normally head between Coweta County and downtown, don’t get on I-85 North,” traffic reporter Mark Arum said.

Instead, commuters can take Roosevelt Highway or Old National Highway to get into Union City.

» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.

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