FRIDAY’S WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Chill returns with coldest air of the season still to come

Did you forget this is the middle of winter?

North Georgia got a little reminder Friday morning with temperatures in the low to mid-40s across much of the region and in the 20s in the mountains. In Blairsville, temps are about 25 degrees lower than they were Thursday morning, according to Channel 2 Action News.

If it feels like a big change, it is. For the first time in a while, North Georgia is actually looking at average temperatures for this time of year.

“Let me tell you, though, we've been in the 60s and 70s every day pretty much for the last two weeks or so,” Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said. “Low 50s will be quite a shock this afternoon.”

Morning lows are still about 10 degrees above average in metro Atlanta, but Monahan said that will change by the start of next week. Widespread 20s are in the forecast Monday, according to Channel 2.

“It is a lot colder,” Monahan said. “I warned you about this yesterday: Have that winter coat ready as you head outside this morning. You will need it.”

It will stay chilly Friday, but Monahan said it will also stay dry. The afternoon should turn mostly cloudy, he said.

The break in the rain won’t last long, however. Rain chances start to inch back up Saturday, when showers are 70% likely in the afternoon.

“We've got a cold front moving in, in fact our second Saturday cold front in a row,” Monahan said. “This one is not going to have the severe weather threat that we saw last week.”

He expects light, scattered showers at intervals through late Saturday afternoon. Behind the rain, it gets much colder.

After another about-average high of 55 degrees Saturday, Monahan said Sunday will not get out of the 40s.

As an area of high pressure continues to weaken, the coldest air of the season to the north will begin making its way south, he said. In the next few days, North Georgia will turn “bitterly cold.”

“By Monday and Tuesday, we will stay in the low 40s for highs,” he said.

There is no trouble on the interstates to start the Friday morning drive, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.

“We’ve had some early issues, but nothing causing any major delays,” traffic reporter Mark Arum said. “And I’m still declaring the interstates (are) lighter than normal this Friday morning.”

The surface streets could slow you down, however. A crash remains under investigation on South Fulton Parkway at Welcome All Road, the Traffic Center reported.

A report of a serious crash on Redan Road in DeKalb County shut down all lanes between Hairston and South Indian Creek roads, according to the Traffic Center.

In Midtown, a busy street was scheduled to be closed for roadwork. Authorities plan to close 17th Street between State and West Peachtree streets until Monday, according to the Traffic Center. This will affect the ride around Atlantic Station.

» 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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