Atlanta is waking up to a muggy start, with low 60s showing up at Peachtree City and downtown Atlanta, and the air already feels more like late spring than early March. That early warmth is not backing off this afternoon, when highs will surge into the low 80s, running roughly 15-20 degrees above normal. The price for this hint of summer: scattered afternoon storms, mainly after 1 p.m., so you might want to keep the umbrella and a weather app within reach.
Afternoon Storm Chances
Most of the morning stays dry under partly sunny skies, but the atmosphere turns a bit feistier after 1 p.m. as the chance of showers and thunderstorms ramps up, especially around the late-afternoon commute. Forecasters are pegging the odds at about a 30% chance of rain, with stronger cells capable of dropping roughly a quarter to half an inch of rain in spots. South winds could reach up to 10 mph, and any storm that pops up will be capable of frequent lightning, so outdoor events may have to hit pause on short notice.
Weekend Outlook
Storm coverage climbs as we head into the weekend. Saturday looks warm and humid again, with highs near 81°F and southwest winds that could gust up to 20 mph. A few Saturday afternoon storms may turn strong to marginally severe, with forecasters flagging isolated damaging wind gusts and frequent lightning as the main concerns. Steadier, heavier rain becomes more likely from Saturday night into Sunday. Total rainfall through early next week could reach 1-2 inches along and north of I‑85 and 0.5-1 inch to the south, according to the National Weather Service, which is enough for brief street flooding in spots.
What To Do
If you have outdoor plans, build in a backup plan for wet weather and keep an eye on radar, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. Lightning will shut things down much faster than a steady soak, so coaches, organizers, and anyone grilling in the backyard should stay weather-aware. Friday evening's commute could feature brief but intense downpours that cut visibility, and Saturday's gusty storms have enough punch to nudge around lightweight outdoor furniture. Nights remain muggy, with lows in the low 60s, so think rain jacket over heavy coat as you head into a warm, storm-prone stretch.
