Record heat possible on Sunday in the Atlanta metropolitan area

ATLANTA – Record-breaking heat is possible in the Atlanta metropolitan area on Sunday.

The maximum temperature expected for today is 98 degrees, which corresponds to the record high recorded for this day in 1954.

Luckily, humidity is low so it won’t feel much hotter. There’s also a slight chance of isolated afternoon showers.

The city of Atlanta has announced that a cooling center will be open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Selena Butler Park and Recreation Center, 98 William Holmes Borders Drive SE.

Monday and Tuesday will also be very warm with temperatures around 35 degrees. Humidity will rise and the probability of isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon will increase.

On Wednesday it is expected to be a little cooler and drier with maximum temperatures around 35 degrees.

Towards the end of the week, the probability of widespread rain is significantly higher and temperatures will be significantly cooler, with highs of between 30 and 35 degrees on Friday and Saturday.

How to protect yourself in extreme heat

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can cause dehydration.

Wear appropriate clothing: Wear light, bright and loose-fitting clothing to keep your body cool.

Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Limit outdoor activities: Try to stay indoors during the hottest times of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or somewhere cool.

Use fans and air conditioners: Use fans and air conditioners to keep your living space cool. If you don’t have air conditioning, spend your time in public places where it is available, such as shopping malls or libraries.

Take cool showers or baths: Lower your body temperature by taking a cool shower or bath. You can also use wet towels on your skin to cool down.

Eat light meals: Opt for smaller, more frequent meals that are easier to digest. Avoid heavy and hot foods as these can increase your body temperature.

Check on people at risk: Check on older family members, neighbors, and people with underlying health conditions regularly to make sure they are staying cool and staying hydrated.

Avoid strenuous activities: postpone heavy exercise and physical work until cooler times of the day. If you must exercise, drink water before, during and after exercise.

Know the signs of heat-related illness: Watch for the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, including heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and confusion. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

How to protect your pets in extreme heat

Provide plenty of water: Make sure your pets have access to fresh, cool water at all times. Put ice cubes in the water bowl to keep the water cooler longer.

Limit outdoor activities: Do not walk or exercise your pets during the hottest time of the day. Early morning or late evening walks are best.

Never leave pets in a hot car: Even with the windows open, temperatures inside the car can quickly rise and become life-threatening. Never leave your pets in a parked car.

Create cool areas: Provide a shaded area or an air-conditioned room where your pets can escape the heat. Use fans or cooling mats to keep them comfortable.

Watch for signs of overheating: Watch for symptoms of heat stress in pets, such as excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you notice these signs, take immediate steps to cool your pet down and contact a veterinarian.

Protect paws from hot surfaces: Hot asphalt, sand and hot pavement can burn your pet’s paws. Test the surface with your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet. Put on protective shoe covers or walk on grass.

Avoid strenuous exercise: Reduce strenuous activities and playtime during the hottest hours. Instead, provide mental stimulation indoors with toys and games.

Offer cooling treats: Offer your pets frozen treats such as ice cubes, frozen broth, or specially made pet-safe popsicles to help them cool down.

Proper grooming: Regular grooming can help remove excess fur and reduce the risk of overheating, but avoid shaving your pet’s coat completely as this will provide protection from sunburn and heat.

Monitor at-risk pets: Pay special attention to older or overweight pets, or pets with health problems, as they are more susceptible to heat-related problems. Brachycephalic breeds (such as bulldogs and pugs) are also more at risk and require special care during heat.

How to cool your home without air conditioning

Use fans strategically: Place fans in windows or doors to create cross ventilation, drawing in cooler air from outside and pushing warm air out. Ceiling fans can also help circulate air.

Block sunlight: Close curtains, blinds or shades during the hottest part of the day to prevent the sun from heating up your home. Consider using blackout curtains or reflective window film for added protection.

Open windows at night: When temperatures drop in the evening, open windows to let in cooler air. Use window fans to improve air circulation and cool the house overnight.

Optimize ventilation: Leave interior doors open to allow air to circulate freely between rooms. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove hot air and moisture.

Use light-colored bedding: Opt for light-colored and breathable bedding such as cotton or linen sheets that reflect heat and keep you cooler at night.

Cook outside or use small appliances: Avoid using the oven or stove as they can generate a lot of heat. Instead, grill outside or use small appliances like a microwave, slow cooker or toaster.

Turn off heat-generating electronic devices: Unplug electronic devices and household appliances when not in use, as they can generate heat even in standby mode. Consider using energy-efficient LED bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs.

Build a DIY air conditioner: Place a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of a fan. The fan will blow the cool air from the melting ice, creating a refreshing breeze.

Use reflective materials: Add reflective materials such as aluminum foil or reflective insulation to windows and roofs to reflect sunlight away from your home and reduce heat gain.

Stay hydrated and dress lightly: Keep cool by drinking plenty of water and wearing light, breathable clothing. Use cold compresses or take a cool shower to lower your body temperature.

10 Fun Ways to Stay Cool in Atlanta

Visit the Georgia Aquarium: Spend the day exploring the world’s largest aquarium, home to thousands of marine animals, in a pleasantly climate-controlled environment.

Take a dip in the Piedmont Park Pool: Enjoy a refreshing swim at Piedmont Park Aquatic Center, which features a large swimming pool and a wading pool for all ages.

Explore the Atlanta Botanical Garden: Stroll through the shady paths and conservatories where you can enjoy beautiful plant displays and water features.

Cooling off at Six Flags White Water: Spend the day at this exciting water park, which offers a variety of water slides, lazy rivers and wave pools to cool off.

Visit the High Museum of Art: Escape the heat by exploring the extensive art collections and exhibitions at this air-conditioned museum.

Enjoy a movie at a local cinema: Watch the latest blockbuster at one of Atlanta’s many movie theaters.

Discover the world of Coca-Cola: Learn about the history of the legendary drink while enjoying the air-conditioned exhibitions and tasting Coca-Cola products from around the world.

Go ice skating at Center Ice Arena: Escape the heat and enjoy cool, family-friendly fun at one of Atlanta’s ice rinks.

Take a stroll through Atlantic Station: This outdoor shopping and entertainment district features shaded walkways, fountains, and plenty of places to grab a cool drink or ice cream.

Visit the Fernbank Museum of Natural History: Explore fascinating natural history exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons and cultural artifacts, in a cool, climate-controlled environment.