There’s not much actual rain in the forecast Wednesday, but there won’t be much sunshine, either, according to Channel 2 Action News.
North Georgia will be stuck somewhere in the gray middle ground. A 30% chance of rain Wednesday will not likely amount to much more than drizzle, Channel 2 meteorologist Brad Nitz said.
“A few spots of mist and drizzle in the forecast for today,” Nitz said. “We’re going to stay cloudy and cool, with temperatures in the 40s through the afternoon into the evening hours.”
Metro Atlanta is beginning the day at 50 degrees, but Nitz said the overcast sky and an easterly wind should keep temperatures from climbing. He expects the city will top out at 49 degrees in the afternoon.
With the possibility of a stray shower through the overnight hours, Nitz said Wednesday will be damp off and on. The rain chances do not ramp up until Thursday afternoon ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations, he said.
Scattered showers and storms are 70% likely Thursday, according to Channel 2.
“Not a rainout for your New Year’s Eve, but there will be some scattered showers and a few thunderstorms possible,” Nitz said. “There’s going to be breaks and dry hours as well.”
More widespread rain arrives on New Year’s Day as a cold front moves through North Georgia, he said. Nitz expects the most rain coverage during the morning hours before showers turn more scattered for the afternoon.
There is a risk of severe weather Friday as the front blows through, he said. The risk is greatest for those south of I-20.
“It’s just a Level 1 threat locally Friday, and even then it’s to the southern half of our area,” he said. “We’re talking about heavy rain of course with some of those thunderstorms, but the main risk would be some damaging wind gusts.”
Frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes are also possible, he said.
The rain chance drops from 100% Friday to 30% Saturday and just 10% Sunday as a drying trend takes hold, according to Channel 2.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
After some trouble overnight, metro Atlanta interstates are moving smoothly to begin the Wednesday morning rush, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center. The same can’t be said for a busy highway on the Eastside.
A power pole is blocking U.S. 78 in both directions at McGee Road in Snellville, the Traffic Center reported. Drivers can take Ga. 124 to Highpoint Road to get around the closure.
There are no early delays on the Downtown Connector through Midtown, but traffic reporter Ashley Frasca said the afternoon rush could start as early as 3 p.m. Wednesday. She expects southbound speeds to drop to 35 mph as holiday travelers mix in with commuters.
» 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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