WEATHER-TRAFFIC UPDATE: Wet pattern continues into the new year

ATLANTA FORECAST

Tuesday: High: 66

Tuesday night: Low: 49

Wednesday: High: 63

» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.

The weather outlook for metro Atlanta continues in a wet pattern in the new year, much like the year that just ended.

New Year’s Day is forecast to be mostly cloudy with a chance of an isolated shower, according to Channel 2 Action News. The chance of rain, which is 60 percent Tuesday, jumps to 70 percent Wednesday.

“Clouds will hang on today, but at least we’re not expecting much rain,” Channel 2 meteorologist Eboni Deon said. “Enjoy the breaks while you can. Wednesday through Friday look pretty wet.”

More widespread rain is expected to move in to North Georgia Wednesday night into Thursday morning, with the final wave expected overnight Thursday, according to Channel 2. An approaching storm system means there is an 80 percent chance of rain Thursday and Friday.

The rain could be heavy at times, Channel 2 meteorologist Brad Nitz said. He expects another 1 to 2 inches of rain by the end of the week.

But a change in the pattern is coming.

“Once the next storm system moves through Friday, we’ll dry out behind it for the weekend,” Deon said. “Expect more sun Saturday and Sunday. Temps stay mild each day with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s.”

As for 2018, it finished as the second-wettest year ever for Atlanta, with 70.03 inches of rainfall, Nitz said. Still in first: 1948, with 71.45 inches.

With many enjoying the holiday away from work Tuesday, volume is light on metro Atlanta roadways, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.  MARTA is running on modified schedules for New Year's Day, with bus routes following the Saturday schedule and rail on the regular weekend schedule.