Atlanta weather: Record heat to ‘ring the bell’ before weekend severe storm threat

The Brief

  • Record-breaking heat is expected across North Georgia this week, with temperatures soaring up to 20 degrees above seasonal averages.
  • The National Weather Service has issued a Level 1 severe weather threat for Saturday afternoon and evening, citing potential damaging winds and hail.
  • A “spring forward” weekend will be marked by unseasonable warmth and high rain chances, peaking at 60% on Sunday as a weak cold front moves through.

ATLANTA North and Central Georgia are bracing for a stretch of record-challenging heat.

This comes as the FOX 5 Storm Team monitors a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms arriving Saturday.

Severe weather possible

What we know:

The FOX 5 Storm Team is monitoring a transition to more active weather, beginning with isolated “summer-like” thunderstorms Friday afternoon. The primary threat arrives Saturday as a Level 1 severe weather risk is triggered for the northern half of the state. According to the FOX 5 Storm Team, these storms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, frequent lightning, and possible hail. Rain chances remain high through Sunday, with a 60 percent chance of widespread showers and thunderstorms as the cold front moves into North Georgia.

‘Running well above that average’

What they’re saying:

Story continues

TRENDING NOW

LATEST LOCAL NEWS