Atlanta hits 70s; ‘big warmup’ expected Tuesday

Tomorrow: Sunny. High: 81

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

Clear skies and warm weather. It’s starting to feel like spring in Atlanta.

It’s an “absolutely clear, blue, cloudless, sky,” Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brad Nitz said.

The temperature was 73 degrees shortly after 5:30 p.m. The average high for this time of year is 76.

“It’s going to be a gorgeous day,” Channel 2 meteorologist Karen Minton said. “If you have a little bit of time to spend outside, do so.”

The trend should continue Tuesday, when the high could hit 81.

“A cool start to the day is expected,” Nitz said, but a “big warmup” is likely.

Allergy sufferers, beware of the yellow stuff.

The pollen count increased from 437 particles per cubic meter of air Sunday to 625 Monday, according to Atlanta, Allergy and Asthma. Those counts, while in the high range, pale in comparison to this year’s season high of 5,354.

Pollen counts that high may be history

“Looks like those are behind us,” Nitz said. “That’s pretty typical for this time of year.”

Highs could reach the 80s later this week. Atlanta could get as high as 84 by Thursday, Channel 2 reported.

Rain does not return to the forecast until Saturday, when there is a 20 percent chance.