Hot and humid as all eyes turn to Atlanta for presidential debate and football game

This rain keeps Thursday’s high temperature in the upper 80s and lower 90s, much lower than recent days. But with the humidity it will be more like the upper 90s.

If you spend time outdoors, hydrate, take frequent breaks in the shade, or find other ways to cool down. And “if you don’t have to be in town, don’t,” urged WSB traffic reporter Mike Shields. With thousands of people flocking to the city for the 6 p.m. football game and 9 p.m. debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, traffic will be more than saturated.

“If you work in Midtown or Downtown and can work remotely, today is a great time to do so,” Shields said.

Even though the debate will not have an audience, the roads are already closed in anticipation of the arrival of the current and former president. In Midtown, 10th Street is closed from State Street to Spring Street, and Fowler Street will be closed from 6th Street to 10th Street. Rolling interstate roadblocks at opposite ends of the city are also planned.

Biden is expected to land at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Cobb County, and Trump has passed through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport during recent visits.

With city traffic already congested, officials are urging soccer fans to take MARTA to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the U.S. national team’s game against Panama.

» For detailed forecasts, visit www.ajc.com/weather.