Atlanta residents can whip out those shades today as the forecast promises ample sunshine with spring-like highs hitting 61 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The pleasant weather, marked by a gentle north breeze, is just the opener to a stretch of sunny days ahead.
The evening, however, will see temperatures dipping to a chilly 35 degrees while the east wind whispers at a mild 5 mph. Clear skies will dominate the night, blanketing the city in stillness. Coming into Wednesday, the sun continues to hold court with highs approaching 58, proving that spring is nudging its way into the heart of winter.
As we head towards the weekend, Atlanta's weather plot thickens. Thursday should remain mostly sunny with the mercury hovering around 59, but by nightfall, clouds will gather, pushing lows to a more comfortable 45 degrees. Forecasters are keeping an eye on Friday as it brings a 30 percent chance of showers and potentially, a prelude to a more turbulent story.
Flickers of lightning and the rumble of thunder may punctuate the night on Friday, escalating to a 40 percent shot of precipitation. The likelihood of showers and thunderstorms hits a crescendo over the weekend, peaking with an 80 percent chance of showers on Sunday. A steady stream of cloud cover and rainfall could put a dampener on outdoor activities with highs sticking in the mid-60s.
Anyone hoping for a sunny encore on Monday might be disappointed. Showers are expected to persist, with sky conditions mostly cloudy and highs in the low 60s. As the city braces for the wet weather ahead, it's a good time for Atlantans to keep their umbrellas close and raincoats closer.
