All Eyes On The Weekend

Athens enjoyed a beautiful Tuesday afternoon: temperatures sat in the low 70s as skies remained cloudless. Continuing clear skies overnight will allow us to cool significantly, our low in the low 40s. Another spring-like day is in store tomorrow, with sunshine in full force and our high in the upper 70s.

North Georgia can expect similar conditions over the next 24 hours. No clouds overnight, lows also in the low 40s. Expect bright, blue skies tomorrow afternoon, just slightly cooler than Athens, with highs sitting in the low 70s.

A few more clouds roll in for both Athens and North Georgia on Thursday and Friday, along with a slight chance for a couple isolated showers Thursday evening. Increased cloud cover will bring our high temperatures back to the low 70s.

A much more significant rain chance arrives Saturday evening and continues through Sunday morning. While it is still too early to tell many specifics, the Storm Prediction Center has currently outlined a 30% chance for severe thunderstorms across all of west Georgia and the Atlanta metro area. Locations further south and east, including Athens, are highlighted in a 15% chance for severe thunderstorms. Current data suggests all severe modes are on the table: tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail. Further specifics will come with each day leading up to Saturday, as more data becomes avaliable and forecast confidence increases.

For now, all Georgians should ensure they have a reliable source of weather information, as well as ensure they have a set severe weather plan. Reliable sources include the National Weather Service, NOAA Weather Radios, local broadcast meteorologists, and the WeatherDawgs. A good severe weather plan includes understanding the difference between a watch and a warning, having a way to recieve these watches and warnings overnight, and knowing where you would shelter if necessary.

We will continue to provide updates on this weekend's forecast as we get more information through the week. In the meantime, enjoy the beautiful midweek conditions, and as always, Go Dawgs!