2026 Summer Outlook Shows Bleak GA Forecast: Here's What To Know

Summertime is normally when barbecues and other outdoor gatherings are hosted in Georgia, but a dreary seasonal forecast released this week may dampen those plans.

While Georgia is currently experiencing a period of dry and cooler conditions, the National Weather Service's newest forecast on Thursday revealed soaking rainfall could be on its way to the Peach State.

Long-range models indicated above-average precipitation for all of Georgia in June. In metro Atlanta, there was a 33-50 percent chance of above-normal downpour.

"While this does not necessarily mean that it will rain every day or that there will be a prolonged period of heavy rain, it does suggest increased opportunities for rainy weather," the NWS said.

The wet season in June could start Sunday, when storms are expected to arrive in the afternoon. Then, daily showers and storms could hit metro Atlanta.

Heavy rainfall has been instrumental in subsiding a harsh drought that has led to several wildfires in recent weeks.

Counties that once were in an extreme drought are now facing exceptional conditions amid improving weather behaviors.

Wildfires that ripped through areas in Brantley and Clinch counties were both 90 percent contained as of May 19, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.

The two fires combined have burned at least 50,000 acres.

Though forecasters are eyeing the first named storm in the eastern Pacific, which sat between Hawaii and Mexico on Thursday, AccuWeather reported weather officials are still monitoring a low-pressure system that could impact the East Coast this week.

Though the system could remain offshore and may not turn tropical, AccuWeather surmised northward strong high pressure could help the system generate coastal hazards between Tuesday and Thursday.

This is when there is a possibility for rough surf, dangerous rip currents and coastal flooding along the Savannah coast, according to forecasters.

"There is some indication that an area of low pressure may try to form over the southwestern Gulf later next week," DaSilva said.

AccuWeather predicts 11-16 named storms and four to seven hurricanes will form in the Atlantic, which could also produce two to four major hurricanes.

Three to five hurricanes could directly affect the U.S., according to AccuWeather.

RELATED: Updated Spring/Summer Forecast Released For GA: Here's What To Expect

Here is the National Weather Service's Thursday afternoon forecast for metro Atlanta:

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 61. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Calm wind.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.

Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m., then a slight chance of showers after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Monday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Tuesday: Showers likely before 8 a.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.

Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.