Atlanta started Saturday, September 12, under cloudy skies and around 73 degrees, with thunderstorms expected through the morning and into the afternoon. The biggest concern is not just getting wet: repeated downpours could create dangerous pockets of flooding, especially where Friday’s rain already left soils saturated, as reported by National Weather Service.
Saturday Storms Could Bring Sudden Flooding
Showers and thunderstorms are likely through 10 a.m., followed by additional chances into the afternoon. Atlanta’s high should reach about 86 degrees, with light southwest winds and new rainfall totals generally between a tenth and a quarter of an inch.
The National Weather Service says the strongest cells could produce frequent lightning, gusty winds and locally heavy rain, with isolated totals of 3 to 4 inches possible within an hour or two, according to National Weather Service. That kind of rainfall could quickly overwhelm creeks, streams and storm drains, so drivers should avoid flooded roads and move indoors if thunder is nearby.
There are no watches, warnings or advisories listed for the Atlanta area, as reported by National Weather Service, but conditions can change quickly beneath stronger storms. Saturday night brings another chance of showers and thunderstorms before skies turn partly cloudy, with a low near 71 degrees.
Atlanta Areas With a Flooding History
A November 23, 2016 report by Next City identified Peoplestown, Summerhill and Mechanicsville as highly susceptible to flooding during major rain events. The report linked that vulnerability to extensive impervious surfaces and the neighborhoods’ location in a natural drainage basin.
Sunny, Hotter Weather Takes Over Sunday
Sunday looks much quieter, with sunny skies and a high near 91 degrees, as noted by National Weather Service. Rain chances fall sharply from Sunday onward, setting up a long stretch of mostly dry weather across Atlanta.
Monday is expected to be the hottest day of the forecast period, reaching about 94 degrees. The weather service says heat index values could climb to 100 to 103 degrees in areas south of Interstate 85, while highs remain near 90 through Wednesday and rise again toward the low 90s later in the week.
Overnight lows should stay in the upper 60s to low 70s through Friday. In short, Atlanta gets a stormy Saturday, a sunny Sunday and then a return to the late-summer heat.
