Dry weekend expected for the first time in weeks

ATLANTA FORECAST

Saturday: High: 58

Saturday night: Low: 40

Sunday: High: 61

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

If you feel like it’s been rainy and gloomy every weekend for a while, you’re right.

To put it in perspective, the last time Atlanta had a completely dry weekend was the week before the Super Bowl.

But that changes today, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Katie Walls said. There is no rain in the forecast for Saturday or Sunday.

“Finally, a dry weekend,” Walls said. “The last time we had an entirely dry weekend was Jan. 26 and 27.”

Though it won’t rain, it will be significantly cooler than it was yesterday and Walls suggests a light jacket for those heading out to the St. Patrick’s Parade.

“Yesterday we hit a high of 70 degrees. Well today, we’re going to be running 10 to 15 degrees colder in the afternoon,” Walls said. “Even right now, it is definitely a chilly start.”

The St. Patrick’s Parade kicks off in Midtown at noon Saturday. (The holiday itself is on Sunday, March 17, of course.) There will be a mix of sun and clouds at the beginning of the parade, with temperatures expected to reach the high 50s by late afternoon. Several streets will close at 9 a.m. in preparation for the event and remain closed until about 2 p.m.

MORE: These roads will be closed for the Atlanta St. Patrick's Day Parade

In Cobb County, road work has one right lane of I-575 closed in each direction between Chastain Road and Bells Ferry Road. Motorists are advised to use Canton Road or Bells Ferry as alternates.

And road work in Gwinnett has closed one right lane of I-85 North past Hamilton Mill, the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center reported.

Temperatures are expected to be cooler for Sunday morning's Publix Atlanta Marathon since it starts at 7 a.m. It is expected to be a brisk 38 degrees out. The race and other events planned near Centennial Olympic Park will prompt several road closures in the area for the second half of the weekend. For a full list of closures, click here.