Atlanta is waking up to a cloudy, muggy Memorial Day, with temperatures hovering near 70°F and humidity already cranking up the discomfort. The real action is expected from midday into the afternoon on Monday, May 25, when showers and thunderstorms become likely by early afternoon. That means plenty of outdoor holiday plans could be cut short as storms roll through. Brief heavy downpours and gusty winds could trigger quick urban and creek flooding where storms repeatedly pass over the same areas, so keep a backup plan ready and check conditions before you set up the grill.
Flood Watch Through Tonight
A Flood Watch is posted for much of north and central Georgia through late Monday night, according to NWS Peachtree City. Forecasters say multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms could deliver locally intense rain rates that spark flash flooding in poor-drainage and low-lying spots. Areas northwest of I-85 are especially vulnerable since soils there are already saturated from earlier storms. Anyone living or driving near creeks, underpasses or the usual flood-prone hangouts should monitor local alerts and be ready to head to higher ground.
When The Worst Of The Rain Hits
On Monday, May 25, showers are possible before 11 a.m., with thunderstorms most likely between about 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Guidance points to the early-to-mid afternoon as the window with the highest chance of rain. The high should reach close to 79°F, with light south winds around 0 to 5 mph outside of storms. Across much of the area, new daytime rainfall totals of roughly a quarter to a half inch are expected, while Monday night could bring pockets of a half to three-quarters of an inch where storms linger. If storms repeatedly track over the same corridor, localized totals could climb higher and trigger flood warnings.
How To Ride Out The Holiday Soaker
Give yourself extra time on the roads and never drive through standing water, since even shallow water can stall a vehicle or sweep it off course. Keep phones charged and alerts enabled, and if you need to report stormwater or drainage issues, call 311 or check with the City of Atlanta Watershed for guidance and reporting tips at City of Atlanta Watershed. If you live in a low-lying area, move vulnerable items to higher ground, and postpone outdoor ceremonies or gatherings if you hear thunder nearby. Looking beyond Memorial Day, plan on daily afternoon chances for showers and thunderstorms through the rest of the week, with highs rebounding into the low 80s.
