Good evening, Athens! If you made your way outside today, you were treated to another beautiful Spring-like day, with highs topping out in the mid-70s and a few cumulus clouds hanging around, especially around the Atlanta metro area. Those mostly pleasant conditions will continue tonight across the region. In Athens, the low should bottom out to near 51 degrees amid partly to mostly cloudy skies (which might complicate the eclipse mentioned above—more to follow on that). We cannot rule out a shower or two, with the potential for a rumble of thunder, this evening; however, the impact should be negligible and coverage is isolated. There is also a potential for some fog during the overnight hours, so be extra careful if you are driving through fog on your way to work or school tomorrow. Beyond that, we should enjoy another warm-up tomorrow afternoon, with the high expected to be in the upper-70s. Clouds should stick around with some southerly breezes possible during the afternoon. The story will be similar across N GA as a whole, with lows overnight expected to dip into the low-50s amid partly to mostly cloudy skies. Isolated showers and thundershowers are also possible here; however, they should end relatively early this evening. Isolated fog is possible here as well (especially with southward extent) so be cautious on the roads tomorrow morning if you encounter any leftover foggy friends. Tomorrow will feature another warm up into the mid-50s region-wide, with the clouds sticking around and winds picking up (especially with westward extent) ahead of our next major weather mover (more on that to follow as well).
Now, on to our trio of interesting meteorological and astronomical events: Tonight: First, we will experience a total lunar eclipse tonight across the contiguous US. The eclipse will last about 3 hours and 38 minutes, with a total eclipse lasting just over an hour. Locally, the peak time for the eclipse will be 2:59 AM EDT. Yet, the atmosphere might play as nice as we'd like it to for viewing this spectacular sight. Clouds are expected to start building tonight, especially with south and westward extent, that might complicate your late-night viewing experience. However, the latest guidance does suggest that clouds might hold off enough to at least allow a broken view of the phenomena, so you have a pretty good shot at seeing the eclipse if you are willing to brave the late-night time frame. Friday Night into Saturday Morning: From there, the events get a little less fun. A very strong surface low pressure system (with the potential to attain minimum pressures like those present in a Category 2 hurricane) will likely be located on the lee side of the Rockies tomorrow morning. From there, it will track to the NE throughout the day, allowing for surface mass response across the Mississippi River valley and eventually into the Mid-South. As this occurs, the chance for hazardous weather will rise quickly amid very strong wind (dynamics) and favorable thermodynamic (energy), initially well to our north and west. Eventually, those ingredients will continue to spread eastward, kicking off our first threat of severe thunderstorms. Initially, the threat will remain confined to extreme NW GA early Saturday morning. The hazards with this original cluster of storms should be damaging winds and hail. See the SPC outlook below.
Saturday Afternoon-Sunday Morning: Yet, we are not done there. The greatest risk for our area will exist Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning. At this juncture, the combination of favorable wind profiles, adequate moisture, and adequate instability (although decreased from our neighbors to the west) will lead to an all-hazards severe weather risk, including the potential for strong (EF2+) tornadoes region-wide (as reflected in the Level 3 out of 5 [Enhnached Risk] present across almost the entirety of N GA). It is also worth noting that we cannot rule out supercell-type storms ahead of the main event (timing including below), which would carry the highest risk of strong tornadoes and large hail. This will be especially true if the worst-case scenario is realized to our west (multiple violent, long-track tornadoes across parts of MS/AL), some of which could survive into the western portions of our area. From there, a very strong line of thunderstorms -- some of which may be semi-discrete -- will enter the region (once again, see the current expectations on timing below). This line will bring the threat of very strong straight-line winds (potentially 70+ mph), severe hail, and strong tornadoes (some of which could be EF2+ in strength). The line is expected to weaken slightly as it continues eastward through our region, but the potential for damaging winds and tornadoes will be present for all locations across N GA. In short, this can potentially be a significant severe weather outbreak throughout the Deep South. See below for preparation information.
Preparation: Given this elevated risk of severe thunderstorms, you are probably wondering what you can do to be prepared.
First, ensure that you keep up with the latest forecasts and information from the Weather Dawgs, your local media, and the National Weather Service.
NOW is the time to prepare a severe weather plan (advice given below) and practice it with your family. Do not wait until the event starts to plan and take action.
Have a way to receive warnings! A NOAA weather radio is preferable; however, if you do not have one, ensure you charge your mobile devices! You must have an easy way to receive life-saving information.
Do not panic. Be prepared, not scared! Follow these steps below and we will all maximize our chances of making it through this turbulent weather weekend unscathed.
Severe Weather Plan:
See the nifty plan below to determine if you are storm ready. Also follow these guidelines to ensure you choose the right place to shelter once you identify a safe structure:
First of all: PLEASE do not stay in a mobile home, in a car, or outside. They are not safe from any weather event, but especially tornadoes.
Choose the lowest floor of your home or structure, and ensure to bring any pets. Find the most interior room, preferably with no windows. If you are in a multi-story structure, attempt to shelter away from rooms with heavy objects above them (i.e., if you have a grand piano on your second floor, it might be a bad idea to shelter under it).
It is also preferable to choose a room without trees nearby.
Get something to cover your head. If possible, get a mattress or a helmet. If not, cover your head with your hands as you shelter!
TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY if placed under a warning. Whether a tornado warning
Let your friends know!!! You could save a life by letting a friend know they are under a warning.
Overall, we are going to make it through this together!!! Weather Dawgs will be with you all the way!!!
And, remember: we have more tranquil weather coming -- and basketball March Madness if that is you're thing! We just have to make it through this weekend! Stay updated, stay vigilant, and stay prepared!!! GO DAWGS!!!