North Georgia is heading into the first days of summer with lots of sunshine and warm weather in the forecast.
Friday is the last full day of spring before the summer solstice Saturday, which marks the day of the year with the most daylight hours. Friday will get a total of 14 hours of daylight, and 11 of those will be dry ones, according to Channel 2 Action News.
Saturday will see 14 hours, 23 minutes and 58 seconds of daylight. Twelve of those hours will be dry, Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said.
“It looks like a good start to summertime,” he said.
The reason for the favorable conditions is an area of low pressure that has dominated the weather is continuing to move away from North Georgia. Once it does, drier and hotter weather will build in, Monahan said.
“But for today, this system is close enough to us to give us some storms and showers this afternoon,” he said. “Be ready for a little bit of rain for your Friday.”
The rain chance is 40%, according to Channel 2. Monahan said not everyone will see rain, but there is still a chance for a thunderstorm to develop through late afternoon.
Those with plans after dark should stay dry, he said.
Temperatures are also on their way up Friday. It is still comfortable outside, but North Georgia is off to a warmer start than in recent days.
Metro Atlanta is beginning Friday in the upper 60s, rather than in the 50s and low 60s enjoyed earlier this week. Monahan said the afternoon will also be warmer with a projected high of 85 degrees.
Saturday’s high of 87 is right on target for mid-June, according to Channel 2. Sunday could be the first day for 90-degree weather in Atlanta this year.
While weather is worry-free Friday morning, motorists should plan for some early delays heading away from the city on I-85, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
A crash was blocking multiple northbound lanes at Indian Trail Road before it cleared just before 6 a.m., the Traffic Center reported. Traffic is still recovering.
“There are big outbound delays now leaving Spaghetti Junction trying to get out toward Lawrenceville,” traffic reporter Mark Arum said.
Outbound drivers can take Buford Highway, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard or Lawrenceville Highway to avoid the interstate until the delays clear.
“This is heading away from town,” Arum said. “It is not impacting your southbound ride.”
» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
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