As pretty as Atlanta’s 5:29 p.m. sunset was, drivers likely didn’t get to enjoy it due to heavy traffic.
Thursday's evening commute is moving at a crawl on the Downtown Connector, northern Perimeter and Ga. 400, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
A crash on the Perimeter’s outer loop near I-75 is slowing everything down, according to the Traffic Center. All lanes have reopened, but delays span past Ga. 400.
Downtown traffic is feeling the lingering effects of all I-20 West lanes being held to clear a crash near Lowery Boulevard, the Traffic Center reported. The wreck has been cleared, but heavy delays remain.
The increase in volume during the evening drive home is to blame for most other delays.
North Georgia started the day with winter weather and will end it feeling more like early spring. Temperatures were in the 30s and 40s Thursday morning but climbed into the 60s with the help of some sunshine.
“Anytime in early December you can talk about highs in the mid-60s, you take that, you run with it, and you enjoy the day,” Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said.
Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM
Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM
Atlanta reached its projected high of 64 degrees, which is about 10 degrees above average for this time of year.
“But Sunday, we’re dropping,” Monahan said. “By the end of the weekend, temperatures (are) in the 40s and low 50s, and we're going to do that with clouds and showers.”
The next chance of rain arrives Friday afternoon. Ahead of it, Monahan said North Georgia will see clouds increase through the day Thursday and into Friday morning.
The ride into work and school Friday should be rain-free.
“That’s going to change in the afternoon tomorrow as we start to see light showers come across the area,” he said.
Most areas will get a quarter-inch of rain or less by Friday evening. While some spots could see more, Monahan said the rain will be mostly light before North Georgia starts to dry out Saturday.
“Still more clouds than sunshine, but overall I expect dry weather during the day on Saturday,” he said.
Saturday should be the best weekend day, which is good news for those planning to take in the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Children’s Parade or the SEC Championship game.
The parade kicks off at 10:20 a.m., when Monahan expects temperatures will be in the 40s. The route will start at Peachtree and 16th streets and travel down Peachtree to end at 5th Street.
During tailgating hours, the weather will still be chilly with temps in the 50s, but Monahan said it will stay dry. Kickoff is 4 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
A northeast wind will start to build Sunday that will bring in moisture off the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in cooler air. Showers are 30% likely, according to Channel 2.
“That’s the wedge we talk about, and that means chilly temperatures on Sunday afternoon that are only going to be in the 40s and low 50s,” Monahan said.
North Georgia won’t have to wait long for another warmup. Temperatures are back in the mid-60s by Monday, according to Channel 2.
» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
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