Is Winter Over: Metro Atlanta, Georgia Spring Forecast 2019

ATLANTA — With high temperatures already having reached the 70-degree mark this week, it's a good time to look ahead to what kind of spring metro Atlanta and Georgia faces: warm and dry or cool and blustery? The National Weather Service, Accuweather, the Weather Channel and both almanacs have all released their long-range forecasts for the next three months, and there is disagreement on whether winter will melt away after the middle of March.

Spring officially begins Wednesday, March 20. Arctic chills are expected to make quick departures throughout the Southeast, Tennessee Valley and Gulf Coast. A lower-than-normal risk for a late last frost or freeze will be good news for those hoping to get plants in the ground early, according to Accuweather. But that could also mean a threat for above-normal rainfall throughout the region, including metro Atlanta.

Atlanta, Georgia and the Southeast can expect temperatures to be average or a little warmer than normal through May, with above-normal chances for precipitation, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures will be near-average or slightly warmer than normal for much of the Southeast in March, says the Weather Channel. Above-average warmth is expected across the region in April and May.

And while the 2019 Farmers' Almanac says spring will take its sweet time arriving overall, much of the Southeast can expect a warm, wet and humid spring.

The National Weather Service is calling for a warm spring in Georgia. Of course, while it's a relief to not have to bundle up or worry about slick roads when spring arrives, it also kicks off the growing season, and allergies. Tree pollen is the biggest cause of spring allergies, says Patient First, and more than 50 million allergic Americans should brace themselves for sneezes and watery eyes.

Allergic reactions occur when your immune system mistakes a usually harmless substance like pollen for something dangerous. Allergy symptoms often include: Nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy nose, itchy, watery eyes, and sneezing. Late February and early to mid March have already seen extremely high pollen counts throughout metro Atlanta, according to Atlanta Allergy & Asthma. Feb. 25, 2019, saw an astronomical pollen count of 538!

Here's a look at the rest of the work week's forecast and into the weekend:

Thursday: Cloudy, 73 degrees

Thursday Night: 50 percent chance of showers, 56 degrees

Friday: 70 percent chance of showers, 65 degrees

Friday Night: Slight chance of showers, 41 degrees

Saturday: Sunny, 56 degrees

Saturday Night: Clear, 37 degrees

Sunday: Sunny, 59 degrees

Sunday Night: Clear, 38 degrees

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