With lasting above-average temperatures and even an 80-degree high in the five-day forecast, the countdown to spring has officially started in metro Atlanta.
Temps will reach the high 70s Saturday, drop to the low 70s Sunday and Monday, then hit the 80-degree mark Tuesday.
But with warm weather also comes increased pollen counts in the area, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Katie Walls said.
The count has been 100 particles of pollen per cubic meter of air or higher all week. It soared to 269 Thursday and was 167 Friday, well below last year’s season-high of 6,152 on April 9.
High pressure off the East Coast also led to increased moisture in the air. Walls said humidity was at 68 percent Friday.
Temps were 75 degrees in Atlanta, 71 degrees in Blairsville and 75 degrees in Griffin just after 2 p.m.
They’ll increase to 79 degrees by 4 p.m and drop a few degrees to 77 at 6 p.m.
Weather conditions were cloudy but not wet early Friday afternoon. Minton said rainfall in western neighboring states could make its way to metro Atlanta.
“We’re going to see some isolated showers pop up, but we’re never going to get quite clear [the clouds],” Minton said.
Expect sprinkles to be off and on later Friday. Showers will pick up over the weekend.
“Our better chances are coming our way as we’re heading into Saturday afternoon and evening, and then into Sunday, we’ll be picking it up,” Minton said.
Expect a few rumbles of thunder Saturday night. Rain will taper off Sunday afternoon.
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