Atlanta is waking up to cloudy skies and a mild 55°F at Hartsfield-Jackson on Saturday, but that soft start is quickly flipping to a soggy one, with showers and thunderstorms likely across the metro through mid-afternoon. Periods of heavy rain and lightning will move through the area, so outdoor plans should be treated as tentative at best. Expect a raw, damp commute for many neighborhoods both this morning and into the afternoon.
Afternoon Severe Storm Threat
Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible from about noon to 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service Peachtree City. Forecasters say the main concerns are damaging straight-line winds and pockets of hail, and a few storms could produce brief tornadoes. The most intense cells may bring gusts strong enough to cause isolated structural damage or take down a few trees. Keep alerts turned on, as the NWS notes that a watch could be issued for parts of central Georgia later today if storms become more organized.
Timing And Commute
Showers and thunderstorms are most likely through the early afternoon, then taper to scattered showers by late afternoon, with the highest rain chances before about 3 p.m. We offered an early look at this system in yesterday's storm warm-up preview, but the latest briefing has sharpened the severe-weather picture for today. If you are driving during the midday and afternoon hours, especially for school pickups or errands, plan on slower travel and leave extra time.
Sunday And Next Week: Wind And Cold
A cold front will sweep through tonight and open the door to much colder, blustery air on Sunday, with a high near 49°F and northwest winds around 15-20 mph, gusting up to 35 mph in more exposed spots. Sunday night temperatures will tumble into the mid-20s across the metro, and Monday looks even colder, with wind chills dipping into the teens for many neighborhoods. Dry weather will dominate early next week, but rising winds and low humidity will combine to elevate fire danger and create blow-around issues for unsecured items in open areas.
How To Prepare
Charge phones ahead of the storms, secure any loose outdoor furniture, and keep an umbrella or light rain jacket handy if you will be out this afternoon. If you are traveling through central Georgia between midday and evening, consider delaying nonessential trips and give large vehicles extra space in gusty crosswinds. Check local alerts and weather updates before heading out so you are not caught off guard by quickly changing conditions.
