Atlanta, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta is poised to receive much-needed rainfall starting Thursday, marking the end of a prolonged dry spell. The city anticipates one to three inches of rain across metro areas, combined with high humidity and temperatures reaching the low 90s. With temperatures expected to cool in the following days, this rain is a welcome change, as it has been nearly a month since the last meaningful precipitation.
Atlanta is preparing for significant rainfall expected to arrive Thursday, promising to bring an end to an ongoing dry spell that has persisted since August. The anticipated rain could yield between one to three inches across metro Atlanta and North Georgia by the time the storm has passed, marking the most substantial rainfall in over a month.
Currently, the city is experiencing a humid start to the day, especially for churchgoers and attendees of the Shaky Knees music festival. By midday Sunday, temperatures are expected to rise to the low 80s, reaching around 87 degrees by the afternoon. While scattered showers may develop later in the day, the most substantial chance for precipitation is expected to occur north and west of the Interstate 85 corridor, in areas such as Carrollton, Rome, and Ellijay.
The forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday indicates conditions will remain hot and mostly dry, with highs approaching 90 degrees. However, the transition to a widespread soaking rain is forecasted for Thursday into Friday. Meteorologists emphasize that meaningful rainfall has not been recorded since August 24, making the onset of this rain a welcome change for many.
Since late August, Atlanta has recorded less than half an inch of rainfall, resulting in dry lawns and gardens across the area. The upcoming system of rain is expected to pull conditions closer to seasonal averages, bringing high temperatures down to the low 80s by Thursday. In addition, a heat advisory has been issued for areas mainly south and east of metro Atlanta on Tuesday, with projections of high temperatures reaching 94 degrees, about four degrees above average.
This rise in temperature will be coupled with high humidity levels, leading to heat indices soaring into the upper 90s; some areas may feel like they are experiencing triple-digit temperatures. Furthermore, on Monday, heavy rain and lightning from a thunderstorm resulted in temporary ground stops at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.
The weather conditions could also impact several local events, including the upcoming AJC Peachtree Road Race, usually held on July 4th, where temperatures are expected to trend in the low 70s with high humidity levels. Following this weather system, Friday and Saturday are expected to maintain warm conditions, with isolated afternoon showers primarily occurring south of I-20.
Overall, expected temperatures for the weekend remain near 90 degrees before a slight dip into the mid-80s the following week.
FAQ
What significant weather event is expected in Atlanta?
A widespread, soaking rain is expected to arrive Thursday into Friday, with the most significant rainfall in over a month forecasted.
How much rainfall is expected in metro Atlanta?
Forecasted rain amounts could reach one to three inches in many areas around metro Atlanta and North Georgia by the end of the storm.
When was the last meaningful rainfall recorded in Atlanta?
According to meteorologist Alex Forbes, meaningful rainfall has not occurred since August 24.
What are the temperature expectations for the upcoming week?
Overall expected temperatures for the weekend remain near 90 degrees before dipping slightly into the mid-80s the following week.
Weather Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rainfall | 1 to 3 inches expected Thursday into Friday |
| Current Temperature | Low 80s expected by midday Sunday |
| Long-term Dry Spell | Less than half an inch of rainfall since August |
| Heat Advisory | Issued Tuesday from noon until 8 p.m. |
| Weekend Forecast | Temperatures near 90 degrees, slight dip into mid-80s next week |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Weather Update: Storms and Drought Conditions in North Georgia
Georgia Tech Football Game Delayed by Lightning
Warm and Mostly Sunny Weekend for Atlanta
Atlanta Issues Code Orange Air Quality Alert Amidst Deteriorating Pollution Levels
Georgia Faces Escalating Drought Conditions
Weekend Weather Forecast in Atlanta Shows Low Rain Chances
Atlanta Faces Hot and Dry Weekend Amid Drought Concerns
Atlanta Prepares for Shaky Knees Music Festival
Fall Festivals and Fairs in Atlanta
October Events to Enjoy Across Georgia
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Rain Returns
- Wikipedia: Weather
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Metro Atlanta Weather
- Google Search: Atlanta Weather
- WSB TV: Lightning and Heavy Rain
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Climatology
- 11 Alive: Weather Impact on Events
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
