The National Weather Service forecasts showers and thunderstorms here in Cobb County on Thursday, May 21, 2026, with a high near 83 degrees.
The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Cobb County and other parts of the region due to scattered thunderstorms that are likely again this afternoon, along and north of I-85. While widespread severe weather is not expected, storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain.
Bonus for the more weather-curious among you … To read an article about interpreting a weather news report with some of the typical terminology defined, follow this link.
To read an article about interpreting a weather news report, with some of the typical terminology defined, follow this link.
What does the extended forecast have in store?
This forecast is centered on Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta.
Today
Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4 p.m. High near 83. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 p.m. High near 83. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 65. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.
Saturday
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 81. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.
Saturday Night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.
Sunday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 84. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.
Sunday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 a.m, then a chance of showers. Low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.
Memorial Day
A chance of showers before 8 a.m, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 a.m and 2 p.m, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 83. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.
Monday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 a.m, then a chance of showers. Low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.
Tuesday
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.
Tuesday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
Wednesday
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
What was the climate like in the latest reporting period?
The NWS climate summary for metro Atlanta has now been updated with April 2026 figures.
In an article entitled What is the Difference between Climate and Weather?, the National Ocean Service describes the difference as follows:
“Weather is what you see outside on any particular day. So, for example, it may be 75° degrees and sunny or it could be 20° degrees with heavy snow. That’s the weather.
“Climate is the average of that weather. For example, you can expect snow in the Northeast in January or for it to be hot and humid in the Southeast in July. This is climate. The climate record also includes extreme values such as record high temperatures or record amounts of rainfall. If you’ve ever heard your local weather person say “today we hit a record high for this day,” she is talking about climate records.
“So when we are talking about climate change, we are talking about changes in long-term averages of daily weather. In most places, weather can change from minute-to-minute, hour-to-hour, day-to-day, and season-to-season. Climate, however, is the average of weather over time and space.”
The climate report for the Atlanta area for the previous month shows how much departure from the average temperatures that month represents. The average temperature for a date is the average over a 30-year period.
| Date | Max Temp | Min Temp | Average | Departure from norm | Precipitation |
| 2026-04-01 | 84 | 61 | 72.5 | 13 | 0 |
| 2026-04-02 | 83 | 61 | 72 | 12.3 | 0 |
| 2026-04-03 | 83 | 62 | 72.5 | 12.6 | 0 |
| 2026-04-04 | 85 | 65 | 75 | 14.8 | 0 |
| 2026-04-05 | 71 | 56 | 63.5 | 3.1 | 0.13 |
| 2026-04-06 | 67 | 50 | 58.5 | -2.2 | 0 |
| 2026-04-07 | 78 | 54 | 66 | 5.1 | 0 |
| 2026-04-08 | 70 | 53 | 61.5 | 0.3 | 0 |
| 2026-04-09 | 72 | 47 | 59.5 | -1.9 | 0 |
| 2026-04-10 | 78 | 51 | 64.5 | 2.8 | 0 |
| 2026-04-11 | 85 | 54 | 69.5 | 7.6 | 0 |
| 2026-04-12 | 86 | 56 | 71 | 8.8 | 0 |
| 2026-04-13 | 83 | 60 | 71.5 | 9 | 0 |
| 2026-04-14 | 86 | 60 | 73 | 10.3 | 0 |
| 2026-04-15 | 85 | 60 | 72.5 | 9.5 | 0 |
| 2026-04-16 | 85 | 63 | 74 | 10.8 | 0 |
| 2026-04-17 | 90 | 64 | 77 | 13.5 | 0 |
| 2026-04-18 | 84 | 64 | 74 | 10.2 | 0 |
| 2026-04-19 | 69 | 49 | 59 | -5 | 0 |
| 2026-04-20 | 77 | 44 | 60.5 | -3.8 | 0 |
| 2026-04-21 | 79 | 53 | 66 | 1.4 | 0 |
| 2026-04-22 | 83 | 60 | 71.5 | 6.7 | 0 |
| 2026-04-23 | 83 | 58 | 70.5 | 5.4 | 0 |
| 2026-04-24 | 84 | 61 | 72.5 | 7.1 | 0 |
| 2026-04-25 | 75 | 64 | 69.5 | 3.9 | 0.02 |
| 2026-04-26 | 84 | 62 | 73 | 7.1 | T |
| 2026-04-27 | 76 | 62 | 69 | 2.8 | 0 |
| 2026-04-28 | 67 | 58 | 62.5 | -3.9 | 0.52 |
| 2026-04-29 | 83 | 63 | 73 | 6.3 | 1.08 |
| 2026-04-30 | 75 | 60 | 67.5 | 0.5 | 0.33 |
For much more information on the climate in our area, visit the NWS Climate FAQ for the Atlanta area.
What does the National Weather Service do?
The National Weather Service (NWS) is a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The NWS describes its role as follows:
“The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, water, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy.
“These services include Forecasts and Observations, Warnings, Impact-based Decision Support Services, and Education in an effort to build a Weather-Ready Nation. The ultimate goal is to have a society that is prepared for and responds to weather, water and climate events.”

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