Metro Atlanta stepped out to crisp, clear weather on Saturday morning, May 16, 2026, with temperatures starting in the upper 50s to low 60s. Sunshine will send readings into the mid 80s by midafternoon, likely making this the warmest day of the week so far.
Weekend Outlook
Saturday, May 16 will top out near 86°F with mostly sunny skies and a light south breeze around 0 to 5 mph. The evening stays comfortable, with lows settling near 66°F.
Sunday, May 17 looks a touch hotter, with highs around 87°F and a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Some of those storms could bring gusts up to about 20 mph. Those timing and temperature details match the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.
What To Watch For
Any storms that do pop up Sunday afternoon will be driven by daytime heating and should stay mostly scattered rather than forming a solid line. A few downpours could still drop brief heavy rain and cause localized ponding.
Gusty winds from stronger cells are the main thing to watch if you have outdoor plans or lightweight patio furniture. If you are hosting afternoon events, have an indoor backup in mind and keep an eye on radar after 2 p.m.
Midweek Rain Chances
Rain chances pick up again by Wednesday, May 20, as a front slowly moves through the region and showers and thunderstorms become more likely. Temperatures stay on the warm side, mostly in the upper 80s, while humidity creeps up through midweek. As of this morning, there are no watches or warnings in effect for metro Atlanta.
Open Burn Rules
With warm, generally dry conditions in place, residents should keep in mind that the statewide summer open burning ban is already in effect in many counties through September 30. Avoid burning yard debris and check local rules before lighting any fires. Guidance from the Georgia EPD outlines county specifics and alternatives.
Basic safety steps, such as keeping a charged hose nearby and never leaving any fire unattended, go a long way toward preventing accidental blazes.
Bottom line: enjoy the sunshine on Saturday, but keep tabs on the forecast for Sunday afternoon and midweek if your plans depend on staying dry. Updates will follow if any watches or warnings are issued.
