Atlantans looking forward to Memorial Day weekend should pack an umbrella alongside their barbeque grills and picnic baskets, as forecasters predict a cocktail of sunshine and rain for the holiday. According to the extended weather forecast provided by the National Weather Service, Atlanta GA will experience a mix of clear skies and potential showers, starting with a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms later today after 3pm. The day is expected to be mostly sunny with temperatures ramping up to a high near 91, offering residents a warm setup for the festivities.

Those planning evening activities will be glad to know that tonight looks promising with mostly clear skies anticipated and a low around 71. But as for Memorial Day itself, you may be dodging some raindrops. The National Weather Service warns of a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am, followed by a potential downpour between 8am and 11am, and then again after 11am, with partly sunny conditions and a high near 87. The chance of precipitation peaks at 40%. So, while the day won't be a washout, picnickers could be racing for cover if the skies decide to open up.

Looking into early next week, the chance of showers shrinks and the sun claims more territory. Monday night sees a slight drop in the likelihood of thunderstorms before 2am, transitioning to partly cloudy skies and a cooler low around 66. From Tuesday onwards, sunny skies dominate with a steady high in the upper 80s during the day, dipping into the mid-60s at night. Clear conditions are slated from Tuesday right through to Thursday night, when temperatures will ease slightly, keeping night time lows around 60.

Heading into the tail end of the week, residents should maintain cautious optimism. Friday again promises sunshine with a high near 85, although the night might introduce a 20 percent chance of showers. The weekend kicks off on a mostly sunny note with a high near 86 on Saturday, though once again, Atlanta faces an ever-present, albeit slight, anxiety of rain with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.

All the weather information is derived from the National Weather Service and Atlantans can keep up to speed with the latest updates by visiting their website.