It is a muggy, near-record warm Wednesday across much of metro Atlanta, with mid-morning readings in the upper 60s and highs expected near 82°F on Wednesday, March 11. That summer-style warmth will not last long. A strong cold front is set to sweep through Wednesday night into the early hours of Thursday, March 12, dragging a line of showers and thunderstorms across the area.
What To Expect Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms are likely after 11 p.m. Wednesday into early Thursday morning, with the main line moving into the Atlanta metro around midnight and continuing into the early morning hours. Some storms could produce damaging wind gusts and hail, while pockets of heavy downpours may cause brief reductions in visibility. No watches or warnings were in effect early Wednesday, but that could change quickly, so keep an eye on updates from the National Weather Service in Peachtree City.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Ahead of the front, southwest winds with gusts to about 25 mph will make the afternoon feel sticky and breezy, and humidity will stay high through the evening. Highs near 82°F are running roughly 15 degrees above typical early March levels. For background on this warm stretch, see Hoodline's earlier roundup on the recent warm stretch.
Commute And Outdoor Plans
If you have plans this evening, be ready for sudden downpours and gusty winds roughly between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., with exact timing varying by neighborhood. Give yourself extra time for late-night travel, keep an eye on local alerts, and secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before dark. Avoid driving through standing water, and treat any downed power lines as dangerous. Call 911 to report immediate hazards.
Rest Of The Week
The front should clear the region by Thursday, March 12, opening the door to much cooler air, with highs in the upper 50s on Thursday and lows in the 30s to low 40s Thursday night. Dry, milder weather returns Friday and Saturday, with another chance for scattered showers and storms by Sunday into Monday. Forecasters currently do not expect a widespread severe outbreak for the weekend. Updates will follow if any watches or warnings are issued overnight.
