Atlanta hits 100 degrees for first time since 2019

The last time it was this hot in the city was August 2019.

The high heat has caused some Georgia hospitals, including Grady Memorial in Atlanta, to see an influx of patients experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion such as dizziness, fatigue, headaches or muscle cramps.

In southwest Georgia, Dr. James “Eddie” Black is medical director of emergency services at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Although the hospital still expects some cases of heat-related illnesses over the summer, it suspects weather conditions, with high temperatures arriving earlier than normal this year, have contributed to the problem.

“I think part of the difference is that this year it hit us all at once, because we didn’t have a prolonged ramp-up period,” Black said. “Our spring was pretty mild, spring-wise, and actually very pleasant, and then all of a sudden it got hot.”

People can generally acclimatize and change their habits and schedules as the heat intensifies, he said. This includes starting to drink water earlier in the day, wearing loose clothing, taking an umbrella on long walks in the sun, and letting someone know if you’re in the heat for a while. time.

“Say you’re a roofer,” Black said. “As the temperature rises, you know you have to be prepared to take longer breaks. Make sure you work in tandem with one or more other people in a buddy system.”

Credit: John Spink

Credit: John Spink

Black said that while he has seen heat exhaustion, he has yet to see a more serious case of heat stroke. When heatstroke occurs, body temperature can reach 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency care, according to the CDC.

Black wants everyone to take these preparations, but the two most important ones, he says, are to hydrate early and often, and to let someone know if you’re going to be out in the sun.

When you’re thirsty, he says, you’re already dehydrated. And if one feels disoriented due to heat exhaustion, it’s essential that someone notices and takes action.

A weak cold front will approach overnight Wednesday, causing increased humidity and cloud cover Thursday, Nitz said. Some showers will also return, but no widespread storms are expected. Afternoon temperatures will peak in the low to mid 90s.

“We need wet weather,” Nitz said.

Find out more about managing your thermal risk:

Track the heat risk for your zip code on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

To learn more about the effects and treatments of heat-related illness, see guidance from the CDC.