WEATHER-TRAFFIC UPDATE: Scattered storms in north metro Atlanta; severe storms expected

ATLANTA FORECAST

Tuesday: High: 85

Tuesday night: Low: 70

Wednesday: High: 85

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

A cold front has begun to enter the Atlanta area, keeping temperatures low and increasing the chance of strong storms later this afternoon.

Don’t mistake lower temperatures for a breezy, cool day outside though. The temperature is currently in the mid-80s, but the heat index is at 89 degrees in Atlanta.

There’s a few scattered storms in the northern metro area, and those storms are making their way east, Channel 2 Action News reported.

That means metro Atlanta roadways are mostly dry for now, but the Downtown Connector is riddled with issues, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.

Road construction that has two lanes of Peachtree Road shut down between Palisades Road and 26th Street is causing heavy delays as well, the Traffic Center reported.

The Northern Perimeter is also beginning to see the effects of the evening commute, the Traffic Center reported.

The Northern Perimeter is seeing a lot of stop and go traffic this evening commute as of 4:40 p.m. (Credit: WSB 24-hour Traffic Center)

Damaging winds are the primary concern now that the cold front has reached metro Atlanta, and heavy rain is possible, too, according to Channel 2.

The front could produce between 40 and 60 mph winds, small hail and lightning. Channel 2 meteorologist Karen Minton said strong storms are likely, and some could turn severe.

“The Storm Prediction Center took northeast Georgia out of risk of organized severe storms but can’t rule out that one of these could turn that way,” Minton said. “So stay weather-aware as we head through the late evening hours.”

The last line of storms is expected to roll through about 8 p.m. After that, northwest Georgia should start to feel the first hints of lower humidity, Minton said.

“There's dry air coming in behind this thing and as it sweeps in, the clouds are going to start to clear, the dew points are going to start dropping, the temperatures will be feeling great,” she said.

Through Friday, it should be cooler and mostly rain-free.