WEATHER-TRAFFIC UPDATE: Perimeter problems persist with widespread storms on horizon

ATLANTA FORECAST 

Tuesday: High: 84

Tuesday night: Low: 70

Wednesday: High: 88

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

Atlanta’s interstates are beginning to clear after multiple lunchtime wrecks, but a few problem areas remain.

And, widespread storms are on the way, which could affect today’s evening commute, Channel 2 Action News reported.

All lanes of the I-285 Inner Loop at MLK Jr. Drive are now open after a multi-vehicle crash was cleared, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center. Northbound traffic is recovering between Langford Parkway and I-20.

Debris on I-285 in Cobb County near I-20 is causing severe delays, and only one left I-285 south lane is open, according to the Traffic Center. Southbound delays stretch back nearly to I-75.

A stalled tractor-trailer on I-285 South at I-20 is causing heavy delays, the Traffic Center reported. DeKalb County traffic is slow for about four miles near the stall.

Showers should start to develop across North Georgia later this afternoon, and Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said they could be heavy and widespread.

The same area of low pressure that fueled Monday’s storms will again send plenty of moisture and instability into the mix.

“An upper level low continues to spin across North Georgia today, and this will mean an enhanced chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon into this evening,” he said. “The main impacts from any storms will be heavy rain, frequent lightning and the chance for hail.”

There is a 60 percent chance of rain through the evening. Initial showers should be north of I-20, but as the late afternoon nears, they could be anywhere, according to Channel 2.

The good news is the system is on its way out, Monhan said, which should spell relief for the end of the week.

“The upper level low begins to open up and move away from the southeast tonight into (Wednesday), allowing drier air to move in from the west,” he said.

Wednesday’s rain chance drops to 40 percent. Thursday and Friday should be mainly dry with a 10 percent chance of isolated showers, according to Channel 2.

“Away from any storms, we’ll have a mix of clouds and sunshine with highs in the mid-80s,” Monahan said.

Metro Atlanta is expected to dry out by 10 p.m.

Temperatures should stay below average this week. Tuesday is expected to reach a high of 84 degrees, according to Channel 2.

“It’s still warm,” Channel 2 meteorologist Karen Minton said. “Not cold by any means, just not as scorching hot.”

When the rain and clouds move out Thursday, temperatures should return to the low 90s.

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