Atlanta is waking up to a warm, mostly sunny Sunday with a high near 88°F — but the afternoon has teeth. Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are expected after 2 PM ET, so front-load your outdoor plans and know your sheltering options before heading out.
Today’s Setup
Mornings look clean across the metro, from Buckhead to East Atlanta to Decatur. A southeast breeze of 5 to 10 mph (gusting to 20 mph) keeps things tolerable early, but humidity will climb steadily. The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has introduced a Marginal risk of severe thunderstorms for the area this afternoon, driven by moisture streaming north up the I-75 corridor and atmospheric instability that could exceed 2,000 J/kg by mid-afternoon — enough fuel for storms with real punch.
Severe Weather Risk
The NWS is flagging two main threats: wind gusts potentially exceeding 60 mph and hail up to quarter size. Storms are forecast to fire along the sea breeze south of Macon and track north toward metro Atlanta between roughly 2 and 8 PM ET. The severe threat should ease quickly after sunset — this isn’t an all-night event — but stay weather-aware during that window. Check radar before heading anywhere outdoors late afternoon.
Game Day Weather at Truist Park
The Atlanta Braves host the Boston Red Sox at Truist Park today, and the storm timing matters. Early afternoon should be fine, but the threat window overlaps with evening innings. If you’re heading to the Battery in Cumberland, arrive early, download a radar app, and know your covered shelter spots. Pack a packable rain jacket — it folds small enough to forget about until you need it. Dress the part with an Atlanta Braves jersey or Atlanta Braves fitted cap, and keep one eye on the sky in the later innings.
Also today: the Atlanta Dream host the Las Vegas Aces at State Farm Arena — indoors, no weather drama.
Coming Tuesday, May 19: Don Toliver brings the Octane Tour to State Farm Arena. Monday looks gorgeous (more on that below), so Tuesday evening should be smooth. If you’re going, a Don Toliver t-shirt or Don Toliver hoodie makes solid concert gear. Still need seats? Get tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub.
What to Wear and Bring
With 88°F heat and rising humidity, moisture wicking undershirts men are essential under any layers today. Toss in that packable rain jacket and you’re covered for whatever the afternoon delivers. If you’re staying in tomorrow, Monday’s near-perfect conditions make it a great day to get outside — check out the Men’s Golf Shorts deal at $14.85 if you’re planning a round.
Tonight and the Week Ahead
Any remaining storms clear before midnight, leaving partly cloudy skies and a comfortable low of 66°F. Monday brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 87°F with only a 10% rain chance — one of Atlanta’s nicer mid-May days. Savor it. The National Weather Service notes that higher rain chances return mid-to-late week as the upper-level ridge shifts west toward the Atlantic, so get outdoor chores done early in the week.
For your full Atlanta weather forecast through the week, bookmark us. And browse our outdoor gear deals for everything you need to stay comfortable this season.
Dinner Tonight
A stormy Sunday afternoon is practically begging for something slow-cooked. Load a programmable slow cooker with chili or beef stew before noon and it’ll be ready the moment you’re back inside. An enameled cast iron Dutch oven is equally great for a big pot of soup on the stovetop. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
