Atlanta, GeorgiaHeat warnings and advisories have been issued throughout the region due to the severe summer heat that is engulfing North Georgia, with highs of three or higher predicted this week.
Temperatures are likely to rise into the mid-90s on Sunday and approach 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday, according to FOX 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alex Forbes. There won’t be much reprieve at night, with lows staying in the 70s.
Extreme Heat Warnings Now In Effect
On Sunday, the National Weather Service issued the area’s first Extreme Heat Warning of the year. By Monday, temperatures in Putnam County might reach 111 degrees Fahrenheit, and comparable temperatures are predicted for places like Milledgeville and Dublin.
Although Monday and Tuesday are predicted to see the height of the heat wave, forecasters warn that hazardous conditions may last until Thursday.
Local Forecasts by City
-
Atlanta:
Highs expected to reach
99 F by Monday
, with only a 30% chance of afternoon storms all week. -
Rome:
Forecast shows
temperatures climbing to 98 F Monday
, with scattered afternoon storms possible. -
LaGrange:
Expect
mid-90s highs
with the best chance of rain (60%) arriving Thursday. -
Eatonton:
Could hit
102 F
on Monday, with heat index values exceeding 100 F even earlier. -
Athens:
Daily temperatures rising from 90 F to near 100 F with isolated storms. -
Gainesville:
Temperatures likely to peak around
99 F Monday
; light storms may offer short-lived relief. -
Blairsville:
Slightly cooler, but still
mid-90s with daily storm chances
.
Health and Safety Advisory
David Chandley, the chief meteorologist for FOX 5, stated, “We are looking at something major down the road, big time heat wave, with highs approaching 100 here in Atlanta.”
Residents are asked to:
-
Stay
hydrated
-
Avoid outdoor activities during
peak heat hours
-
Check on
elderly and vulnerable neighbors
-
Never leave
children or pets in parked cars
Cooling Centers Now Open Across Georgia
Cooling centers been established in a number of counties to help with the heat emergency, including:
-
DeKalb County Resources
-
Cobb County Cooling Center
-
Clayton County Resources
-
Douglas County Info
-
Jasper/Newton County Update
-
Marietta Cooling Center via MUST Ministries
What s Next?
Extreme heat is predicted to continue, although forecasters say there may be a modest rise in the likelihood of rain by midweek. A possible Gulf disturbance that could affect weather patterns late next week is also being watched by the National Hurricane Center.
Have you taken extra precautions against the heat or made use of your neighborhood cooling center? Please share your safety measures with us this week atsaludastandard-sentinel.com.