Clouds lingered over Atlanta early Wednesday, but the near-term outlook calls for a clearing afternoon and a high near 91 degrees. Temperatures are forecast to rise through Friday, when the city could reach 96 degrees, before shower and thunderstorm chances become more notable this weekend.
Sunny Skies Take Over Wednesday And Thursday
Wednesday afternoon should clear out, with east winds around 5 to 10 mph and no rain expected. Thursday will look much the same, though the high edges up to 93 degrees after an overnight low near 69.
The current outlook continues the hot, mostly dry pattern described in an earlier Hoodline report, while putting the more consequential rain chances later in the weekend and into early next week.
Friday Could Be The Week’s Hottest Day
Friday is expected to be sunny with a high near 96 degrees and only a 5% chance of rain. Winds should stay light, which means outdoor plans may feel especially hot during the afternoon even without a major storm threat.
How Unusual Is the Heat?
A 96-degree day would place Atlanta in the same broad high-temperature range as one of the city’s notable September heat records. According to the National Weather Service Atlanta/Peachtree City office, Atlanta recorded 16 days at or above 95°F in September 2019, breaking the previous September record of 14 days set in 1925.
Saturday remains warm, while Sunday has a high near 91 degrees. Each day carries about a 20% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, so most plans should stay dry, but a quick downpour could still interrupt an outdoor event.
Rain Chances Increase Early Next Week
Monday brings showers and thunderstorms. Tuesday brings showers and storms later in the day.
The National Weather Service forecast currently shows no watches, warnings or advisories for Atlanta. For now, the forecast emphasis is on rising heat through Friday, followed by increasing shower and thunderstorm chances from the weekend into early next week.
