ATLANTA (AP) - Drought-stricken Atlanta received an all-day dose
of rain on Christmas, and residents can expect more rain through
the weekend and into New Year's Day.

Tuesday's rainfall of zero-point-five-eight inches was the
second-largest single-day amount since October.

But the National Weather Service says the city's rainfall
deficit is still more than 20 inches below normal.

Atlanta will need another two-and-a-half inches of rain between
now and the end of the year to keep this year from becoming the
driest on record.

The forecast calls for metro Atlanta calls for a slight chance
of rain Thursday, and a better chance Friday. Forecasters also
predict a chance for rain -- however slight -- through New Year's
Day.