A warm, sunny Friday is setting the stage for a busy and emotional start to the weekend across metro Atlanta, with highs near 84 and breezy conditions expected.
On the serious side, wildfires in South Georgia have devastated dozens of families, with at least 87 homes destroyed. One of the largest fires is burning west of St. Simons Island, where officials say lingering debris from Hurricane Helene has worsened conditions.
Closer to Atlanta, dry weather has prompted strict burn bans. Cobb County has prohibited outdoor burning, while Henry County has gone further, banning fire pits and even outdoor grilling due to heightened fire risk.
In lighter news, Zoo Atlanta is celebrating the return of one of its most beloved attractions: giant pandas. After a 25-year conservation partnership ended in 2024, two new pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, are set to arrive, marking a highly anticipated comeback for the species in the city.
Meanwhile, the weekend offers plenty of free ways to get out and enjoy the weather. Popular events include the Inman Park Festival, Smyrna Jonquil Festival, Lemonade Days Festival and the Taste of Marietta. While admission is free, food and activities may come with a cost.
