Atlanta wakes up Sunday to cloudy skies and about 54°F at Hartsfield-Jackson, with a cold front sliding through this morning. A weakening band of showers brings a brief chance of light rain before 8 a.m., but most neighborhoods should stay dry after that. A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 19, with northwest winds of 10 to 20 mph, gusts up to 35 mph and locally near 40 mph on ridgelines, and humidity dropping into the low to mid 20s. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Those northwest winds will ramp up through midday and stay gusty into the evening, enough to scatter yard debris and send light-weight objects rolling or flying. Expect gusts of 25 to 35 mph in the city and stronger gusts on higher ground, so motorists should use extra caution on exposed ramps and bridges. According to the National Weather Service, the Red Flag Warning covers most of north and central Georgia.
Morning Showers, Sunny Afternoons
The line of showers moving through early today is weakening, so rainfall totals should stay light, with many spots only seeing a brief sprinkle before 8 a.m. Skies are expected to clear this afternoon, bringing sunshine and a high near 67°F, even as those gusty northwest winds continue. Temperatures bounce into the 70s on Monday and then rebound into the 80s by midweek.
Fire Danger And Safety
With dry fuels and low humidity, any spark can spread quickly, turning a small flame into a fast-moving problem. Avoid outdoor burning, pause spark-producing chores such as welding and chainsawing, and make sure grills, yard debris and other loose items are secure. If you need a permit or county-specific guidance, call the Georgia Forestry Commission at 1-800-GA-TREES or check the Georgia Forestry Commission website. Failing to follow burn rules can lead to unlawful burn notices or suppression charges. If you see smoke or an out-of-control fire, call 911 immediately.
Week Ahead
The upcoming week features a steady warmup, with highs in the mid 70s on Monday and climbing into the low to mid 80s by Wednesday and Thursday. Rain chances stay low through Friday. The next opportunity for scattered showers and thunderstorms arrives late Friday into Saturday, so plan outdoor weekend activities with that in mind. We will keep tracking the forecast and share updates if the Red Flag Warning details or rain timing change.
