WEATHER-TRAFFIC UPDATE: Wrecks get evening commute off to slow start in metro Atlanta

ATLANTA FORECAST 

Tuesday: High: 91

Tuesday night: Low: 73

Wednesday: High: 92

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

Metro Atlanta will see more rain Tuesday afternoon, which could come right in the middle of an already congested evening commute.

Wrecks have already slowed traffic to a crawl in a few spots, including the 400 block of Clairemont Avenue in both directions due to a vehicle accident that damaged a power pole, Decatur police tweeted.

Cobb County is especially slow with only one northbound lane of I-75 open near Barrett Parkway due to a bridge inspection, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.

Only a few miles south near Paces Ferry Road, a right southbound I-285 lane is closed for construction, which isn’t helping matters.

Those stuck in traffic should appreciate their car’s AC units as the current temperature is creeping up near today’s predicted high of 91. The heat index has climbed up to the mid-90s, making it a steamy, humid afternoon, according to Channel 2 Action News.

Afternoon showers should be scattered and fast-moving, so don’t expect any relief, the news station reported.

Though they won’t be as active as Monday’s storms, Tuesday’s wet weather will be enough to slow down metro Atlanta traffic, Channel 2 reported. Heavy rain, lightning and ponding on the roadways are possible Tuesday.

Monday’s heavy rain again pushed E. coli levels in the Chattahoochee River to the unhealthy range. It is not safe to swim in the river near Medlock Bridge after bacteria levels reached a dangerous 518. Anything higher than 235 is considered unsafe.

Dry, humid tropical air isn’t expected to bring temperatures down by much over the next few days. Wednesday is projected to bring highs in the 80s, according to Channel 2.

“Tonight into tomorrow morning, that (cold) front moves to our south down toward Middle Georgia, bringing dry air into our area,” Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said. “Temperatures will start in the 60s in the mountains tomorrow with low 70s most other spots.”

Atlanta should get a small break in the rain Wednesday and Thursday, according to the latest forecast. Monahan said Wednesday will be the driest day this week with just a 20 percent chance of isolated storms.