WEDNESDAY’S WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Stretch of springlike temps coming to an end

If January ended today, it would be the fifth-warmest January on record in North Georgia, according to Channel 2 Action News.

A string of 60- and 70-degree days have the region feeling more like springtime than the dead of winter. While another day in the 70s is in the forecast Wednesday, Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said the return of cooler weather is in sight.

“Cold air is going to start to move toward North Georgia in the next couple of days,” he said. “That cold air is locked up across Canada and the northern part of the country for now, but the dam is about to break and that cold air is about to drop south.”

Some big changes are headed for Georgia next week. Strong high pressure dominating the weather is weakening, allowing the colder air to slip into the state, Monahan said.

By Monday and Tuesday, morning lows could drop into the 20s and low 30s, according to Channel 2. Some areas could even see temperatures in the teens.

“The 70s, the 60s that’s going to be a memory by next week,” Monahan said. “As we go through the weekend, the jet stream drops farther and farther and farther to the south.”

For now, it still feels like April. Wednesday is starting out mild with widespread 50s across North Georgia, and it is much less soggy than in recent days. There are plenty of low clouds and fog around, however.

A dense fog advisory is in effect for metro Atlanta until 10 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Rain chances are much lower at 30%, and Monahan said the region will even mix in some sunshine during the afternoon. Northwest Georgia and the mountains will have the best shot at a shower, and some isolated strong storms are possible, he said.

The Southside should be much quieter Wednesday.

“Then by 5 p.m., just a few light sprinkles around,” Monahan said. “There may be a rumble of thunder around for the ride home from work, but overall the rain chances (are) isolated for today.”

Thursday and Friday should also be fairly dry, he said, but the strong cold front that will bring the big drop in temperatures will also bring more rain. Showers are 40% likely Saturday, according to Channel 2.

“Looking ahead, Sunday is the better day for your weekend,” Monahan said.

The fog could cause some delays for the Wednesday morning drive, but pavement is dry. There are no major delays to contend with just yet, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.

The worst ride in town is on the southbound Downtown Connector, the Traffic Center reported at 6 a.m. Authorities have held all lanes at Williams Street three times while they work to clear a crash, and it is slowing the ride through Midtown.

The crash appears to be back on the shoulder for now, traffic reporter Ashley Frasca said. The northbound connector is still delay-free out of downtown.

» 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. 

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