WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Wrecks increase congestion as evening commute begins

ATLANTA FORECAST

Tuesday: High: 90

Tuesday night: Low: 73

Wednesday: High: 88

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

Most metro delays from lunchtime wrecks have evaporated, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center. However, an entire new set of wrecks is slowing down metro interstates, including I-285 in DeKalb County.

Near Glenwood Road, two I-285 right lanes are blocked because of a wreck, causing heavy delays.

Heads-up for a wreck causing delays in Dekalb Co.: I-285/sb (inner loop) past Glenwood Rd. (Exit 44) Two right lanes blocked. Heavy delays. https://t.co/2hvjWkI3bV #ATLTraffic
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) August 28, 2018

The construction on Peachtree Street at 26th Street is starting to heavily affect downtown traffic with two closed southbound lanes, the Traffic Center reported.

Dew points are nearing the 70s in metro Atlanta, an indicator that humidity is going up, Channel 2 meteorologist Karen Minton said.

It’s hot. It’s humid. It’s August in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/31Hwl9B19d
— Jason Durden (@JasonDurdenWSB) August 28, 2018

A high-pressure center is continuing to weaken as it moves closer to the Atlantic Coast. Without the pressure center to keep it at bay, Minton said a southerly flow of air is able to pull tropical moisture from the gulf into North Georgia.

“The humidity is coming back in a big way,” she said. “We’re going to feel that, especially when the sun hits today. Very, very sticky and muggy.”

High pressure ridge weakens and moves east. This allows moisture to return from the SE increasing our chance of showers and storms. They will be isolated today, more numerous rest of the week as ridge weakens even more. Some strong storms possible. pic.twitter.com/vOsCtDGN1i
— Karen Minton (@KarenMintonWSB) August 28, 2018

Atlanta is warming up fast. Currently, it’s 89 degrees. The predicted high is 90. That’s a few degrees higher than the average of 87 degrees this time of year.

In the evening, drivers can expect delays on I-75 and I-285 as they make the trek to SunTrust Park to see the 7:35 p.m. game between the Braves and the Tampa Bay Rays. Evening commuters should also see traffic near Chastain Park about 8 p.m. as fans head to see Leon Bridges perform.

Atlanta, tickets to my show at @ChastainParkAmp on August 28th are on sale now. See you soon in the land of the peach 🍑 https://t.co/IGOggq5Oed pic.twitter.com/5v3cmQZpCf
— Leon Bridges (@leonbridges) June 22, 2018

Atlanta can expect a wet afternoon commute the rest of this week. Rain chances stay at 40 percent Wednesday and should remain there through Saturday, Channel 2 reported.

“The pattern of morning sun, scattered afternoon showers and storms will continue into Labor Day weekend,” Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said.

Photo: Channel 2 Action News

» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @ajcwsbtraffic on Twitter.

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