It’s been more than three years since Atlanta hit triple-digit temperatures, but that streak ended Tuesday.
The city hit 100 degrees for the first time since June 25, 2016, tying a record for the date in the process, Channel 2 Action News reported. The original record was set in 2007.
All the while, all of metro Atlanta and much of North Georgia has been under a heat advisory. Atlanta has cooled off a little, but the city is still 98 degrees. Once you factor in humidity, the city feels like the mid-100s.
Here's hoping the air conditioning in your car is working, especially if your commute is heading north, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
Johns Creek is gridlocked by traffic lights that are not working at Medlock Bridge Road at Wilson Road, the Traffic Center reported. Northbound delays span back to Ga. 141.
In Peachtree Corners, traffic lights are also out at Holcomb Bridge Road and Wetherburn Way, which is causing further problems, the Traffic Center reported.
The Perimeter is also recovering after all inner loop lanes were briefly blocked to move a stalled vehicle near Glenwood Road in DeKalb County, the Traffic Center reported.
According to the National Weather Service, heat stress is a possibility during outdoor exertion or extended exposure when the heat index exceeds 105 degrees.
“We talk about the heat and humidity in the summertime,” Monahan said. “This is a whole other level with that heat and humidity combining to make it just so hard to stay cool out there for an extended period of time.”
The heat advisory is scheduled to expire at 8 p.m., according to the Weather Service. A few areas in the northeast Georgia mountains are not included in the advisory, but Monahan said that doesn't matter much on a day like Tuesday.
“That means you in Blairsville and Rabun County, I'm going to give you the heads up now,” he said. “Just plan on it being that kind of hot day. You're not under the advisory, but effectively act the same way, and limit your time outside.”
After a few early morning showers in northeast Georgia, the region is dry. While there is a 40% chance of showers or storms, Monahan said the bulk of the rain is not expected until the sun goes down.
“There's going to be a few thunderstorms around later today, but there's not going to be much during the daylight hours,” he said. “It’s really not until tonight that we'll get some cooling thunderstorms and a cold front moving through that will knock off a few degrees of our temperatures tomorrow.”
A few isolated downpours are possible for the drive home from work and school, he said. As the cold front comes through overnight, there is a risk for strong to severe thunderstorms. By Wednesday morning, Monahan said the front will be to the south and will take the rain chances with it.
“We shift the best chances of rain down toward the Southside,” he said. “Still a fair amount of clouds around elsewhere, and that will put a cap on our temperatures.”
Atlanta is forecast to reach 93 degrees on Wednesday.
“I know it’s still hot,” Monahan said. “Just not as hot.”
After Wednesday’s rain, North Georgia will get a chance to dry out, according to Channel 2. High temperatures are back in the mid-90s by Saturday.
» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
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