THURSDAY’S WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Downpours to move out before muggy afternoon

Scattered downpours will continue for much of the Thursday morning drive before the sun comes up and metro Atlanta turns muggy, according to Channel 2 Action News.

The city should only have to deal with the rain for a few more hours. Farther north, Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said there is a risk of an isolated strong storm later Thursday.

“We'll have some brief, heavy rain that will move on by, and we'll stay cloudy through the rest of the morning as we head toward sunrise,” Monahan said of conditions inside the Perimeter.

While there is no thunder or lightning to worry about Thursday morning, the mountains could see thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong wind gusts in the afternoon, he said.

The highest risk for severe weather remains north of the state in areas like Middle Tennessee, which was devastated by deadly tornadoes last week.

RELATED: Death toll from Tennessee tornadoes climbs to at least 24

“For us it is the lowest level, but a risk there,” Monahan said. “A Level 1 risk for some strong storms later today.”

Most of the rain will stick to the mountains through the afternoon Thursday, he said. In Atlanta, he said it should be pretty dry by the time school lets out and commuters head home.

Once the showers pass by, temperatures are off to the races.

Areas south of the city could reach the upper 70s this afternoon, according to Channel 2. Temperatures in the mid-70s are forecast for metro Atlanta.

“It’s going to be muggy, it’s going to be kind of sticky out there, and it’s going to feel like a mid-spring afternoon today across North Georgia,” Monahan said.

Another cold front moving through Friday will bring a 40% chance of more rain, according to Channel 2. Temperatures, however, are expected to stay elevated with a projected afternoon high of 71 degrees.

“We warm up today, tomorrow, and we’re still warm over the weekend, but you can see the temperatures trending downward,” Monahan said. “By next week, we'll be in the 50s.”

The rain does not seem to be having much impact on the early Thursday morning drive, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.

“Despite the wet pavement in some areas, the interstates aren’t that bad,” traffic reporter Mark Arum said at 6:30 a.m.

Volume is building, however. The trip time on I-20 from Douglas County is growing, and an incident involving a tractor-trailer in the eastbound lanes is further slowing drivers down.

The truck is blocking two right lanes at the I-285 interchange, according to the Traffic Center.

In Gwinnett County, police have shut down Ga. 124 at Webb Gin House Road near Snellville. According to Channel 2, SWAT is on the scene of a standoff with a robbery suspect at the Shoppes at Webb Gin.