Stay weather vigilant this Friday as Severe Weather Team 2 closely monitors a system that poses the threat of severe thunderstorms and brief tornadoes in metro Atlanta. Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Brian Monahan emphasizes that the metro counties south of Interstate 20 face the highest risk for severe weather. The potential hazards include damaging wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, hail, and the chance of tornadoes. Although the threat level has been downgraded from 3 to 2, the risk persists. Keep tuned to Severe Weather Team 2 for real-time updates on timing and potential threats throughout the day.
Anticipate the development of showers in the morning, intensifying around midday. The risk of severe weather will escalate in southern counties after 1 p.m., with damaging wind gusts identified as the primary concern. However, storms may also generate hail and brief, spin-up tornadoes. The severe weather risk is expected to subside by sunset. Brace for colder and drier weather on Saturday.
Despite limited instability, the risk of strong to severe storms persists. The Storm Prediction Center has shifted the enhanced risk area northwest, placing us in a slight risk category. This means we remain susceptible to storms capable of producing tornadoes, damaging winds, and quarter-sized hail. Take this opportunity to review your family’s severe weather plan.
Cloud cover will increase tonight, preventing temperatures from dropping as sharply. Overnight lows are forecasted to range from the upper 40s to lower 50s. The approaching storm system on Friday will bring rain and severe storms, with a line of storms advancing from the west. Isolated cells developing ahead of the main line could pose a threat, potentially spawning tornadoes or causing damaging wind gusts. Keep a close eye on the development of these isolated storms throughout the day.
Looking ahead to the weekend, expect a rain-free and quiet period with mainly sunny skies. However, temperatures will be colder, with highs only reaching the upper 40s to lower 50s. Overnight lows will hover in the upper 20s to lower 30s.
Key Headlines:
– A few showers and breezy conditions expected overnight.
– Tuesday marked as a First Alert Weather Day with isolated tornadoes possible in the afternoon.
– Another round of rain expected on Friday following sunshine on Wednesday and Thursday.
The pleasant start to the workweek is set to change as a strong cold front approaches tonight, continuing into Tuesday. Showers could begin as early as 1 AM-4 AM as a warm front lifts over the region, accompanied by breezy conditions reaching 25-30 mph. Scattered showers and windy conditions are anticipated through Tuesday morning, with temperatures climbing into the 60s.
A First Alert Weather Day is declared for Tuesday afternoon due to the arrival of a robust cold front across the region. This front brings the potential for a few strong or severe storms, along with the risk of isolated tornadoes.
Tonight’s forecast includes increasing clouds with overnight showers and lows in the lower 40s. Friday will be mostly cloudy, with additional rain showers in the afternoon/evening and highs in the middle 60s. Wind and rain will dominate the weather, as a strong low-pressure area to the north induces very strong southerly winds in the morning. These winds will shift to westerly and intensify in the afternoon and evening, with gusts potentially exceeding 50 mph. Rain is expected to diminish by mid-day, but as colder air arrives, trace amounts of sleet and snow may occur as temperatures drop to near freezing by sundown. The evening will be uncomfortable with a significant wind chill factor.
The focus then shifts to an arctic pattern settling in over the weekend and lingering into the next week. Saturday will be cold and breezy, with the coldest air expected on Sunday, where highs may only reach 15 to 20. A weak upper system on Sunday night into Monday morning could bring a chance of light snow, with accumulations expected to be light. Subsequent weak systems on Tuesday and Wednesday may bring additional periods of light snow, but the overarching concern will be the persistently frigid temperatures, possibly staying below freezing until late next week.