Alpharetta Weather Update: Rainy Weekend Ahead Due to Hurricane Francine’s Remnants
GEORGIA
Hey Alpharetta, get ready to pull out those umbrellas and rainboots because our weekend is shaping up to be pretty soggy! Meteorologists are saying that while we might not need to worry about that tropical depression spinning out in the Atlantic, the remnants of Category 2 Hurricane Francine could bring a significant amount of rain our way. Francine may have fizzled out after its destructive journey through Louisiana and Mississippi – causing an eye-watering $9 billion in damage and economic loss – but it’s still got a few tricks up its sleeve.
The National Weather Service has told us that lingering moisture from Francine in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to unleash heavy rains across the Peach State over the next several days. Alpharetta and the rest of north and central Georgia are in for some much-needed rain, with forecasts predicting a total of about 1-4 inches of rainfall. The brunt of the downpour is likely to hit on Friday and Saturday, but don’t put away your wet weather gear just yet! We might see showers stretching into Sunday and even into next week.
Our friends in west central Georgia, specifically the Lagrange and Columbus areas, are expected to bear the brunt of the heavier showers. A flood watch is already in effect until 8 a.m. on Saturday for north and west central Georgia. Thankfully, no high winds are anticipated to accompany these storms. The good news is that this rain might help ease the drought conditions we’ve been experiencing and even cool us off a bit.
Temperatures have already taken a dip, dropping below the usual highs and lows for this time of year. Typically, we’d be baking under a high of 85 degrees and enjoying a low of 67 degrees. But Friday morning started off cooler with a high of just 78 degrees.
The National Hurricane Center has its eye on another system – Tropical Depression 7 – out in the Atlantic, but it’s too far away to pose a threat to us. As of Friday morning, it was 200-300 miles east of Bermuda, but we’ll keep an ear to the ground just in case anything changes.
Over in western Tennessee, northern and central Alabama, and here in central and southern Georgia, there’s a slight risk of excessive rainfall, while northern and central Alabama might see moderate risks. Isolated severe thunderstorms could occur in some areas, with potential hazards like tornadoes and severe wind gusts.
What to Expect
Friday: A 50% chance of showers this afternoon with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 78 degrees. Expect east winds around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Showers and thunderstorms likely tonight, mainly before 2 a.m. and then after 3 a.m., with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch possible. Low around 67 degrees.
Saturday: Heavy showers and possible thunderstorms with an 80% chance of precipitation and a high near 75 degrees. Winds will continue from the east at 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. Similar conditions are expected overnight, with a low around 66 degrees.
Sunday: More showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. and a high near 77 degrees. East wind at 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50%. Sunday night will see a continuation of showers and potential thunderstorms with a low around 66 degrees.
Looking Ahead
Monday and Tuesday, we’ll still be dealing with showers and thunderstorms, but with slightly lower chances of precipitation. Highs will hover around the mid-70s to low 80s, with clouds giving way to partly sunny skies. By mid-week, things should start to clear out with mostly sunny skies and highs in the low 80s.
So, folks, while the rain may put a damper on some weekend plans, it’s certainly going to give our gardens a drink and keep those temperatures in check. Stay safe, keep an eye on the forecast, and as always, stay tuned for more updates on this whirlwind of a weather weekend.
