WEATHER-TRAFFIC UPDATE: Atlanta soared past expected high to mid 70s as congestion increases

Morning showers and early afternoon cloud cover hasn’t stopped Atlanta from heating up Friday afternoon. In fact, Atlanta has warmed up more than expected.

Around 4:30 p.m., the city topped out at 76 degrees, which is four degrees hotter than the predicted high, according to the latest Channel 2 Action News forecast. It’s now settled into the low 70s.

“These (clouds) will gradually thin a bit this afternoon allowing for some more sunshine to break through,” Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said.

North Georgia will maintain a 30% chance of showers through the rest of the day, so there won’t be a washout during the evening commute.

A few issues have popped up on metro Atlanta's interstates as the evening commute hits full stride, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.

I-85 South is recovering near 17th Street after two center lanes were blocked by a crash, according to the Traffic Center. All lanes have reopened, but delays linger.

Two right lanes of I-20 East near the Downtown Connector are also blocked by a crash, creating heavy delays in the heart of Atlanta, the Traffic Center reported.

Construction is blocking a right lane of the Perimeter’s outer loop at Cascade Road and causing delays, according to the Traffic Center.

If you’re headed to SunTrust Park for tonight’s game between the Atlanta Braves and the Miami Marlins, rain should not be a problem, Monahan said.

“I think you’re going to get through the game mainly dry,” he said.

The morning showers should help in other ways, according to Channel 2. Friday’s pollen count soared to 6,262, the fifth highest since records began in 1991, according to Atlanta Allergy and Asthma, which tracks the daily pollen count.

RELATED: Pollen count soars to highest level since 2013

“Say it with me,” Monahan said. “This morning's rain will help, this morning's rain will help, this morning's rain will help.”

More wet weather is in the forecast this weekend and early next week, according to Channel 2.

There's a 30% chance of a shower or storm on the Southside on Saturday, Monahan said.
Isolated showers and storms as well as temperatures near 80 degrees are in Sunday's forecast, Channel 2 reported.

“It will be wet on Monday as a cold front moves through with a chance of widespread showers and storms,” Monday said. “Some of that rain will linger into Monday, with somewhat cooler temperatures.”