Atlanta Weather Alert: Thursday Rainfall Ahead as Tropical Wave Heads West

Rain and Thunderstorms Sweep Through North Georgia

A slow-moving cold front is delivering steady rain and scattered thunderstorms across North Georgia. Heavier downpours are making their way through Pickens and Dawson counties early Thursday morning, with rain chances expected to increase in the Atlanta metro area by the afternoon.

Weather Conditions Across North Georgia

The weather system is maintaining cloudy and damp conditions, keeping temperatures near 70 degrees for most of the day and briefly reaching the low 80s. Despite a short respite overnight, scattered showers could return on Friday before gradually diminishing over the weekend. The rainfall will provide relief to drought-affected regions in the state.

• Thursday: Expect widespread rain and scattered storms, particularly intense in Pickens and Dawson counties this morning. High temperatures will hover near 70, occasionally hitting the low 80s.
• Afternoon: Rain chances will increase in the Atlanta metropolitan area, accompanied by periodic downpours and lightning.
• Overnight: A brief pause in precipitation, though scattered showers may resume.
• Friday: While not a complete washout, lingering scattered showers and storms are on the forecast. The rainfall will help mitigate drought conditions.
• Saturday: A noticeable decrease in shower activity as rain chances diminish.
• Sunday: The return of dry skies, with highs remaining steady in the low 80s.

Looking Towards the End of the Week and Next Week

Drier skies are anticipated by Sunday, with temperatures in the low 80s expected to persist throughout the following week. There is a slight chance of rain early in the week as temperatures stay consistent.

Monitoring Tropical Developments in the Caribbean

Attention is drawn to a tropical wave, known as Invest-AL94, which is advancing westward at approximately 15 mph and generating showers and thunderstorms in parts of the Caribbean. There is potential for a low-pressure area to develop near eastern Hispaniola, which could organize and intensify rapidly if it consolidates.

Forecast models suggest that this disturbance might transform into a broad low over Hispaniola and the southern Bahamas later today or Friday. The National Hurricane Center indicates that a tropical depression could form near the Bahamas by week’s end. Although specifics for the U.S. remain uncertain, residents of coastal Georgia and the Carolinas are advised to monitor the system closely.

Even if it does not intensify into a powerful storm, the system could bring rounds of rain, turbulent seas, and breezy conditions early next week. For ongoing updates, stay tuned to El-Balad for the latest weather news.