WEDNESDAY’S WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Temperatures to drop as rain picks up

Atlanta hit its high temperature well before sunrise Wednesday, and it’s all downhill from here.

Temperatures are expected to fall from a morning high of 62 degrees to a low of 55 degrees by late Wednesday afternoon, according to Channel 2 Action News. The chill in the air is accompanying widespread rain that could make things complicated for the drive into work and school

“It is pouring across much of metro Atlanta now, and it’s going to be this way for the morning commute,” Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said. “And it’s going to be a tough commute, at least rain-wise.”

Most areas are seeing light rain to begin the commute, with heavier downpours falling on the Southside. By 10 a.m., Monahan expects widespread heavy rain across metro Atlanta.

While there could be a rumble of thunder, he said Atlanta should not experience any severe weather Wednesday. The widespread rain continues through lunchtime before showers begin to taper off.

“Late today, as you get ready to come home from work and the kids head home from school, a little less rain,” Monahan said. “Still some showers, but it’s not going to be as widespread late today, and it will be much better as we head through tomorrow.”

Monahan said the falling rain will help to cool the air, resulting in temperatures nearly 30 degrees below average for this time of year. The average high for mid-May is 80 degrees, and the average low is 60.

Atlanta will drop below both of those numbers Wednesday as temperatures bottom out at 48 degrees after sunset, according to Channel 2.

“Dress for a winter day,” Monahan said. “That means the long sleeves, the long pants... it is not a day for shorts. It will be by the end of the week — temperatures are going to warm right back up.”

He expects the city will return to the 70s for highs by Friday afternoon.

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Multiple crashes have been reported on wet roads Wednesday morning, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center. Most wrecks have cleared quickly, and there are no major delays at 6:30 a.m.

“If you could delay your commute a little bit, it’s not a bad idea,” Monahan 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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