After the whirlwind of 2020, it’s only appropriate that the year is going out on a soggy note.

Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Eboni Deon said Thursday will turn wetter and stormier as the day progresses. Spotty showers around Thursday morning will increase in frequency for the afternoon and evening, she said.

According to Channel 2, the rain should be concentrated to the south and east for the early part of the day before North Georgia hits a bit of a lull. Rain chances are going right back up, Deon said.

“For your evening plans, if you’re headed out for any New Year’s Eve celebrations, we’re looking pretty good up until about 7, 8 p.m. tonight,” she said. “And then we’ll start to see those rain chances picking up, especially becoming more likely as we get closer to midnight. Plan on it being a little wet.”

Deon said rain will still be scattered Thursday afternoon as Atlanta commuters head home from work. The rain chance increases to 40% at 8 p.m. and rises again to 60% at 10 p.m., according to Channel 2.

“If you have those outdoor plans, have an indoor backup,” Deon said. “Or at least have an umbrella with you.”

Temperatures should be mild Thursday with a projected high of 59 degrees in Atlanta. The average temperature for this time of year is 52 degrees.

With the rain, Deon expects temperatures to drop down into the mid-50s by 10 p.m., and they should hold there through midnight.

Those looking for a sign of a brighter 2021 won’t find it in the weather. Deon said storms will increase into the early morning hours, and all of North Georgia is now under a Level 1 threat of severe weather through Friday evening.

“It is a low-end threat overall, but it covers all of North Georgia,” she said. “An isolated tornado can’t be ruled out, also watching out for damaging wind gusts and some areas of heavy rainfall.”

More of North Georgia can expect to get wet on New Year’s Day, with 1 to 2 inches of rain expected for the eastern half of the area, according to Channel 2. Deon said that kind of rainfall can lead to localized areas of flooding.

“As we head into the weekend, conditions will improve,” she said. “That is after a little bit of rain and thunderstorm activity on Saturday. It’s not going to be a washout, and then finally on Sunday we are back to some sunshine.”

As for Thursday morning, Deon said the rain should not get in the way of travel plans. Foggy conditions could impact visibility, however.

“Be mindful of that as you make your way out on the roadways,” she said. “You could see some changing conditions.”

The fog does not appear to be causing any major delays on metro Atlanta interstates, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center. Traffic is moving smoothly at 6 a.m.

Things could pick up later Thursday as holiday travelers hit the roads. The Georgia Department of Transportation is anticipating more congestion and has suspended all construction-related lane closures on the interstates until Saturday.

» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.

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