Atlanta saw near-record highs Tuesday, and the humidity made it feel like triple-digits across the metro area and a majority of the state.
Plus, there’s more to come: A heat advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday for more than 50 counties across the state, according to the National Weather Service.
By 1 p.m. Tuesday, temperatures were already at 91 degrees around the city but felt more like 98. And by late afternoon, Atlanta’s high reached 97 degrees, just two points from the date’s 99-degree record.
The heat index — which measures how hot it really feels by taking into account air temperature and relative humidity — climbed into the 100s by the end of Tuesday.
“Not only is it just plain old hot on the thermometer ... you factor in the humidity, it’s going to feel like 100, 105, up to 107 degrees,” Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said Tuesday morning.
A heat index that high means there will be an elevated risk for heat-related health impacts. In such muggy conditions, it is difficult for the body to cool itself efficiently because perspiration doesn’t easily evaporate.
Georgia isn’t alone in the sweltering heat. Much of the country is cooking under a dangerous heat dome this week that is bringing triple-digit temperatures to the East Coast and Midwest, including some places that haven’t seen temps this high in over a decade.
Credit: Ben Hendren
Credit: Ben Hendren
Overnight, temps will dip only into the mid and upper 70s before rising again Wednesday, when we’ll also have to worry about afternoon storms, the NWS warns. While some storms could become strong, the risk for severe weather is only at a Level 1 of 5, with slightly elevated risks in the state’s northeast and southwest corners.
There’s one silver lining: If storm clouds arrive early Wednesday afternoon, that could tamp down some of the heat, forecasters say. But don’t let your guard down. Before any showers arrive, heat index values will be similar to Tuesday’s.
If you spend any time outdoors this week, drink plenty of fluids and take frequent breaks in the shade. Remember to check on loved ones, too, and make sure their air-conditioning is working.
“Make adjustments to outdoor activities, such as camps and sports,” the NWS said. “Provide shelter and plenty of water for pets.”
To help with the sweltering heat, the city of Atlanta opened a cooling center from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Selena S. Butler Park on William Holmes Borders Senior Drive.
Another shelter, opened by nonprofit organization Frontline Response, will be helping residents from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sunday at 2585 Gresham Road, according to Channel 2.
This time of year normally sees a high of about 88 degrees, and Atlanta typically sees about 47 days with temperatures in the 90s.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
» For a detailed forecast, visit www.ajc.com/weather.
» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @WSBTraffic on X.
» Download The Atlanta Journal-Constitution app for weather alerts on-the-go.
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