As Atlantans prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, they might want to keep an eye on the sky for more than just fireworks. According to the National Weather Service, there's a 30 percent chance that showers and thunderstorms could put a damper on festivities after 4pm. Though the day promises to be mostly sunny, with highs nearing a sweltering 95 degrees and heat index values as high as 102, by evening, the chance of rain drops to a slight 10 percent. Celebratory BBQs and outdoor events should fare well until those late afternoon hours.
The rest of the week seems to follow suit with Atlanta's unpredictable summer weather patterns. The NWS forecast includes a heat index of 102 degrees both on Friday and as the weekend progresses, with a standing chance for precipitation. A calm wind from the south and a high near 94 degrees is expected to greet Atlanta residents on Friday, but an 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is likely to follow up in the afternoon. Astute residents planning outdoor activities should consider the odds before laying their picnic blankets. Friday night doesn't offer much respite, with thunderstorms before 8pm and a consistent 80 percent chance of showers throughout the evening.
Looking ahead to the weekend, Saturday is set to start mostly sunny with highs again approaching the 93-degree mark. The NWS foresees a calmer northwest breeze around 5 mph, but there's still a 60 percent likelihood of showers and thunderstorms, especially after 11am, and continuing largely before the night ends at 8pm. Despite the chance of precipitation, the temperatures seem to be in a steady dance, just shy of the mid-90s.
For those betting on clearer skies by Sunday, keep the umbrellas handy. While showers are slight in the morning, the potential for thunderstorms creeps up to 40 percent after 2pm. Mostly sunny conditions will persist with the temperature high near 93. The pattern continues into the early hours of Monday, with a NWS predicted 30 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms, giving way to a 60 percent likelihood by the afternoon, possibly affecting any post-holiday weekend plans.
As the workweek returns, those longing for summer activities should prepare for more of the same. Monday and Tuesday alike bring chances of thunderstorms at 60 percent, with mostly cloudy nights around 74 degrees. The forecast for Wednesday slightly improves, offering a mix of partially sunny spells amidst a 40 percent chance of showers.
