As forecasters keep tweaking the weekend weather forecast, it’s looking more and more like Easter finery, egg hunts, and sunrise services are going to get wet.
“Numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected Saturday and Sunday as a cold front moves southward through our area,” the weather service says in its Friday afternoon advisory. “Rainfall amounts will range from 1-1.5 inches to the north of I-85, with lesser amounts to the south. A few strong storms may be possible, but widespread severe weather is not expected at this time.” (Click on accompanying graphic to enlarge it for a look at latest timeline for arrival of rain and predicted amount for places in north and central Georgia.)
Temperatures are forecast to return to near normal for early April, ushered in by the system that will bring the rain.
The 7-day weather service outlook for Gainesville and vicinity:
Tonight
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 3pm and 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8pm. Low around 62. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2pm, then a chance of showers. High near 71. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 71.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 46.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 64.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 70.