WEATHER-TRAFFIC UPDATE: Congestion builds as Atlanta hits 85 degrees
At 85 degrees, you could easily mistake this for a cool summer day, but it’s instead a hot spring day, capping off April in Atlanta.
And the city might still warm up a degree or two before Tuesday is over, Channel 2 Action News reported.
What's been hot all day is traffic near Spaghetti Junction in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
Roadwork is blocking part of the ramp from I-85 South to I-285. As a result, traffic is backed up to Indian Trail Road.
Dekalb Co.: Construction: I-85/sb ramp to I-285 blocks the right lane, Delays. https://t.co/MhPvicYKPN #ATLTraffic pic.twitter.com/4uCgzpgprZ
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) April 30, 2019
Earlier Tuesday, an overturned tractor-trailer on I-285 West just north of the I-85 interchange shut down the outer loop of the Perimeter and the ramp from I-85 South. The wreck was moved to the shoulder by 6:30 a.m., but heavy delays continued through Gwinnett County for several hours.
RELATED: I-285 reopens at Spaghetti Junction after tractor-trailer crash
TRAVEL ADVISORY: Dekalb Co.: Tractor Trailer Clean Up Work Continues: I-285/wb (outer loop) at I-85 on the right shoulder. Onlooker Delays Remain. https://t.co/2hvjWkI3bV #ATLTraffic pic.twitter.com/1Z0i4qvnve
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) April 30, 2019
There are a few other slow spots as the evening commute begins, including a crash that’s blocking a right lane of the Perimeter’s inner loop at Old National Highway in Fulton County, the Traffic Center reported.
Fulton Co: I-285/wb (inner loop) at Old National Hwy (exit 62); crash blocking the right lane; delays https://t.co/2hvjWkI3bV #ATLTraffic pic.twitter.com/kMQ9z18lL4
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) April 30, 2019
In Henry County, a left lane of I-75 North near Jonesboro Road is also blocked by a crash, according to the Traffic Center.
Henry Co: I-75/nb before Jonesboro Rd (exit 221); crash blocking the left lane; delays https://t.co/2hvjWkI3bV #ATLtraffic pic.twitter.com/vtMGhEmrar
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) April 30, 2019
Tuesday could be the warmest day so far this year in North Georgia, according to Channel 2.
Temperatures are expected to top out at 87 degrees in metro Atlanta, which is well past the average high of 76. While North Georgia likely won’t break any records Tuesday (the record of 89 was set in 1942 and tied in 1987), Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said temps that high aren’t typically seen until the second week of June.
“It is not supposed to be this warm, but we'll take it underneath the sunshine,” he said.
More than 10 degrees above average today, and just 2° below the record high for Atlanta.
— Brad Nitz (@BradNitzWSB) April 30, 2019
Notice the new title bar?
We have new weather graphics beginning at Noon today on WSB-TV. Wait until you see the new design of the 5 day forecast. You will love it! pic.twitter.com/pk7yXntEeQ
With the start of hurricane season just a month away, Monahan said North Georgia will start to feel the tropical moisture arriving from the Gulf. There is nothing developing in the Atlantic with the potential to become an organized storm, but he said “there is some moisture down here toward the Bahamas that is going to play a role in our weather a little later on this week.”
Going to keep an eye on some tropical moisture down near the Bahamas moving closer to us later this week -- could bring us an increase in rain chances by Friday.
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) April 30, 2019
Updating live on our @wsbtv app now through 8am. pic.twitter.com/LdgBApkgle
Like the past few days, Tuesday is all about sunshine and a mainly clear sky. Monahan said weather should not have much impact on travel all day.
Chance for a little patchy fog this morning on the ride into work -- otherwise, you're looking good weather-wise!
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) April 30, 2019
Late this week, I'm tracking the chance for a bit more rain.
See you now through 7am on Channel 2! @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/c4nGf3dxLr
Tropical moisture could trigger some showers Wednesday, however.
“I’ve updated the rain chance just a little bit tomorrow,” Monahan said. “Most of us will stay dry, but a few more areas could see a shower or two.”
The chance of rain is 30 percent Wednesday. Thursday also has a slight chance of some showers, then Monahan said more widespread rain is moving in for Friday.
Rain chances are going up as we head into the weekend -- but it's not a wash out. I'll break down the weekend forecast for you 4:30-7am on Channel 2. @wsbtv
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) April 30, 2019
“This tropical moisture coming up through Florida (is) kind of getting together with a front across North Georgia on Friday,” he said. “I’m trending the rain forecast up. As we look ahead to Friday afternoon, we'll have some more widespread showers and storms and that rain chance will continue into your weekend.”
The rain chance for Friday is now 60 percent, according to Channel 2. Scattered showers and some storms are expected to continue Saturday and Sunday, but Monahan expects North Georgia will get some sunshine, too.

» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @ajcwsbtraffic on Twitter.
» Download The Atlanta Journal-Constitution app for weather alerts on-the-go.


