Current Forecast: 8am on Thursday, February 8th 2024

Forecast Discussion

Special Weather Statement

Dry weather that has persisted over the past few days will stick around again as upper-level ridging provides support for high pressure at the surface. Low relative humidity values over the last couple of days have allowed fuels to become drier. A Special Weather Statement is in effect for a combination of dry fuels, low relative humidity, and breezy winds that will result in increased risk for fire spread. Relative humidity values today are expected to drop to as low as 20-30%, but thankfully winds overall won’t be too gusty.

Additionally, an incoming shortwave trough will bring more moisture and cloud cover to the region, and rain chances will move in starting tomorrow. This system has a very strong upper-level jet which will enhance moisture transport from the Gulf aloft and closer to the surface, allowing for rain tomorrow into tomorrow night.

A cold front pushing ahead of the surface low is the culprit for the incoming rain that will last through the weekend, but it will also bring cooler temperatures to the Athens area. Temperatures are anticipated to warm up to the low 60s by tomorrow through Saturday, but the frontal passage will leave us with temperatures in the low 50s. Another system is expected to bring rain chances on Monday as it passes to our south as the temperatures will drop more into the mid-40s. Thankfully, not quite the blast of Arctic air we had in January, but it is an unfortunate reminder that it is not quite spring yet!

Detailed Forecast

Today it will be partly cloudy with no precipitation. Winds from the S at 0 to 5 mph with gusts up to 15 mph. High 61°F

Tonight it will be mostly cloudy with no precipitation. Winds from the SW at 0 to 5 mph. Low 43°F

Friday it will be mostly cloudy with a 20% chance of early morning rain showers. Winds from the SW at 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph. High 62°F

Friday Night it will be mostly cloudy with a 60% chance of rain. Winds from the SW at 5 to 10 mph. Low 50°F

Extended Forecast

Saturday it will be mostly cloudy with a 20% chance of rain. High near 62°F with a low near 36°F

Sunday it will be partly cloudy with a 60% chance of rain. High near 52°F with a low near 33°F

Monday it will be cloudy with an 80% chance of rain. High near 45°F with a low near 28°F