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.”
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.
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.
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.
Headed north, a right lane is blocked at 26th Street. Expect delays between Midtown and Buckhead, according to the Traffic Center.
» 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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