Warm, Unsettled Weather Kicks Off Weekend in Georgia

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A warm and humid airmass will bring temperatures well above seasonal norms to central Georgia this weekend, with highs forecast to reach 15-20 degrees above average. Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are also expected, especially on Friday, as a subtropical ridge expands westward from the Atlantic. While severe weather is not a major concern, some storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rainfall. The unsettled, summer-like pattern is expected to continue through at least next Wednesday.

Why it matters

The unseasonably warm and humid weather pattern will impact outdoor activities and energy usage across the region, while the threat of thunderstorms could disrupt travel and outdoor events over the weekend.

The details

Forecasters say a large subtropical ridge over the Atlantic is pushing warm, moist air into the Southeast, leading to the above-normal temperatures. While the lack of strong atmospheric support will prevent widespread severe storms, the summer-like airmass could still fuel some gusty, heavy-rain producing thunderstorms, especially on Friday. The unsettled pattern is expected to continue through at least next Wednesday as the western edge of the subtropical ridge dominates the region.

• Temperatures will be 15-20 degrees above normal on Saturday.
• Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible on Friday, with coverage decreasing Friday evening.
• A cold front is expected to sweep across the Eastern U.S. on Saturday, potentially bringing more widespread, but weakly organized, storm activity.