Possible storms, scorching temperatures among multiple weather concerns in Georgia

Possible storms, warm temperatures, high fire danger and moderate air quality are all forecast for Georgia weather this week.

June 26, 2024, 12:51 p.m. EDT | Update June 26, 2024, 12:57 p.m. EDT

GEORGIA — Weather officials are warning Georgians of scorching temperatures Wednesday, saying some areas in parts of the state could reach the upper 90s or lower 100s.

Additionally, current air quality could threaten some people while storms could sweep through parts of northern Georgia Wednesday evening. High fire danger conditions could also be a concern for parts of Georgia.

Heat

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Parts of southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina are under a heat advisory until 7 p.m. Wednesday, while heat index values ​​around 110 are expected, according to forecasts.

The advisory covers several coastal counties, including Chatham and Bryan.

“Hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat illness,” weather officials said in the advisory.

Residents are asked to wear light clothing, take breaks when outdoors, and take action when they recognize symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Shortly after noon Wednesday, the temperature in metro Atlanta was 98 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

RELATED: Heat-related emergency room visits increase in Georgia as sweltering temperatures persist

Wednesday is expected to be the hottest day of the week and suggests possible “extreme heat” through next Tuesday, according to the forecast. Heat index values ​​could reach around or above 100 each afternoon.

Heat indices are expected to peak Friday-Sunday and could climb daily to over 105 in central and northern Georgia.

Additionally, residents are warned of elevated fire risks Wednesday afternoon into the evening in parts of north and central Georgia due to low relative humidity levels, according to the forecast. .

This includes Cobb, Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Barrow, Clarke, Oconee, Paulding, Hall and Douglas counties.

Weather officials say relative humidity levels of 25 percent or less could last at least four hours, while southwest winds could gust between 5 and 10 mph.

“With dry fuels, high fire hazard conditions can be expected. Please refer to local burning authorities if burning outdoors. If burning outdoors, use extreme caution “, officials said in a special weather statement.

Code Orange

This comes as a Code Orange Air Quality Alert, issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Environmental Protection, indicates that ozone concentrations may be at their highest level in the late afternoon or early evening.

Orange indicates an air quality index between 101 and 150, while an index above 150 is considered a code red, with health effects spreading to members of the general public.

Air quality alerts are triggered by a number of factors, including the detection of fine particles – known as “PM 2.5” – which can irritate the lungs.

Early Wednesday afternoon, air quality was moderate.

People considered to be in sensitive groups include those with lung diseases such as asthma, children and adolescents, the elderly and people who are regularly active outdoors for six or more hours a day, according to the government-run national surveillance platform AirNow.

Brewing storms

Adding to concerns over Georgia, weather officials say isolated or scattered thunderstorms could arrive Wednesday evening in the north and central region.

Then, scattered daily thunderstorms could fall Thursday through Tuesday, according to the forecast. Possible hazards include lightning, heavy rain and gusty winds.

With daily storms forecast for the Savannah area, a moderate risk of rip currents exists from Wednesday until nightfall.

The weather service asked people to monitor its website or their weather radio for more information.