Clouds are sticking around after metro Atlanta spent much of Monday morning socked in the fog.
The low-hanging clouds are not necessarily a sign of wet weather to come, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said. While there is a 20% chance of some rain Monday, the next best chance for heavy rain and storms will hold off until Tuesday, he said.
“Bring the umbrella,” he said. “You don’t necessarily need it now, but we will have the chance for a few sprinkles later on today. For the most part, though, a cloudy day, and temperatures are going to be in the mid-50s.”
Our story right now has lots of sunshine over the mountains and north metro... but lots of clouds/fog elsewhere.
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) February 17, 2020
I'm tracking when rain moves back in -- at noon on Channel 2. @wsbtv
While a dense fog advisory is no longer in place, Monahan said the low clouds could stick around through the early afternoon. The mountains are the most likely to see breaks of sunshine Monday, he said.
“This time of year, because the sun angle is so low in the sky, it makes it difficult to burn off the fog very quickly,” he said. “It’s going to be foggy for a good chunk of the morning and early afternoon.”
Even with the cloud cover, metro Atlanta will be warmer Monday than on Sunday, when many got stuck in the 40s, according to Channel 2. The projected high in the city is 56 degrees.
By the evening, Monahan said the mountains will start to see clouds thickening up ahead of Tuesday’s rain. Showers are 70% likely Tuesday with isolated thunderstorms, according to Channel 2.
Wet weather returns for a few days this week. @BMonahanWSB is updating the forecast on Channel 2 at noon.
— Brad Nitz (@BradNitzWSB) February 17, 2020
Monahan said the first showers will move in about 5 a.m. and continue through the morning drive.
“I want you to be ready for rain,” he said. “There will be a few heavier pockets of rain during the day on Tuesday, so the rain will add up. There will also be an isolated thunderstorm chance, but no severe weather tomorrow.”
Tuesday will also bring the warmest weather of the week with a projected high of 67. After a step back in the rain chances Wednesday, another 70% chance is in the forecast Thursday.
Areas from metro Atlanta and to the north could get 1 to 2 inches of rainfall by Thursday, while areas to the south could get 2 to 4 inches, according to Channel 2.
“We do not need any more rain,” Monahan said. “We've seen more than 6 inches of rain so far this month, and that heavy rain continues to be in the forecast over the next few days.”
Some cold air nearby Thursday could bring a slight chance for some winter mix in the mountains, he said. For now, he said that looks to be the worst of the wintry weather that North Georgia can expect this week.
Such a close call between precip moving across north Georgia and cold air moving in from the north on Thursday... but all signs continue to point to the timing be just off for now.
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) February 17, 2020
We'll be watching it through the week!
Cooler air is moving in for the weekend. While rain chances remain low Saturday and Sunday, temperatures could fall into the low 30s overnight, according to Channel 2.
Drivers can expect lighter-than-normal conditions on the roads Monday with many schools closed for President's Day, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
There are no major delays on metro Atlanta interstates at midday, but construction is slowing a major artery through Midtown. A southbound lane of Peachtree Street is blocked at Collier Road, the Traffic Center reported.
Atlanta: Construction...Peachtree St/sb at Collier Rd. Right lane blocked. Expect some delays in the area. #ATLtraffic https://t.co/j2xHL1ZFrc pic.twitter.com/v6yxRFKOo0
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) February 17, 2020
Headed north, a right lane is blocked at 26th Street. Expect delays between Midtown and Buckhead, according to the Traffic Center.
Atlanta: Construction...Peachtree St/nb at 26th St. Right lane blocked. Expect delays out of Midtown in to Buckhead. #ATLtraffic https://t.co/j2xHL1ZFrc pic.twitter.com/mMJH4TA00w
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) February 17, 2020
» 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.
» Download The Atlanta Journal-Constitution app for weather alerts on-the-go.
About the Author