Atlanta woke Wednesday under mostly clear skies with temperatures around 73 degrees, but the calm will not last all day. Storm chances climb sharply this afternoon, with showers and thunderstorms likely as temperatures rise toward 88 degrees before rain cools parts of the city into the mid-80s.
A slight chance of showers remains possible early Wednesday, while the more active weather is expected from roughly 2 p.m. through 5 p.m. The latest forecast from the National Weather Service puts the daytime rain chance at 70%, with southeast winds around 5 mph.
Afternoon Storms Could Bring Heavy Rain
Some storms may produce gusty winds and brief, heavy downpours, with rainfall totals generally ranging from a tenth to a quarter of an inch. Because storms are expected to move slowly, localized flash flooding could develop in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage across Atlanta and North Georgia.
There are no watches, warnings or advisories posted for the Atlanta area at this time. Still, drivers should avoid flooded roadways, and anyone spending the afternoon outside should be ready to move indoors quickly if thunder rolls in.
Weekend Heat Builds As Storm Chances Continue
Thursday through Monday will stay firmly in summer mode, with highs near 90 or slightly above and overnight lows in the low to mid-70s. Thursday's heat index could reach 97 degrees, while triple-digit feels-like temperatures may return this weekend.
Afternoon showers and thunderstorms remain possible each day through Tuesday, generally developing after the warmest part of the day. Early sunshine may make for a pleasant start, but outdoor plans should include a backup option for sudden rain and lightning.
