Wednesday, April 15 — Atlanta woke up to mostly clear skies and a very mild start in the low 60s, and it is only getting hotter from here. The National Weather Service is calling for a high near 87°F this afternoon and another unseasonably warm day on Thursday, with temperatures running well above normal through Saturday. A Special Weather Statement remains in effect for parts of north and central Georgia, warning of elevated fire danger with dry fuels on the ground.
Afternoon Heat and Fire Danger
Relative humidity is expected to tumble into the mid to low 20 percent range for several hours this afternoon, which, combined with very dry vegetation, means a single stray spark could spread faster than usual. Winds are forecast to blow mostly out of the southwest at 5 to 10 mph today, and while conditions are not at Red Flag criteria, gusts could pick up a bit more on Thursday. The National Weather Service Atlanta/Peachtree City office has the advisory text and county-by-county breakdown, according to the National Weather Service.
What This Means for Your Plans
Outdoor burning, including backyard debris piles and burn barrels, is strongly discouraged while humidity stays this low. In Georgia, many types of open burning require a permit, and some burns are unlawful year round, so it is worth checking with your county forestry office before lighting anything. The state’s rules on open burning and available permit types are summarized by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
Weekend Outlook
High pressure will keep metro Atlanta hot and dry through Saturday, with highs climbing into the upper 80s to near 90°F on Friday and Saturday. A frontal system may bring only a slight chance of showers late Saturday night into Sunday morning, around a 20 percent chance, followed by a cooler stretch with highs near 72°F on Sunday and into Monday. For county-specific timing and a closer look at how today’s conditions fit into the broader pattern, see how dry winds put metro Atlanta on high fire alert.
Legal Implications
Georgia law restricts many forms of open burning and requires permits for a number of burn activities, with a summer burn ban also limiting certain fires beginning May 1 in many counties. Unlawful burning can lead to fines or even bills for fire suppression costs, so contacting your local Georgia Forestry Commission office or the state EPD before planning a controlled burn is not just smart, it is financially safer. Local fire departments and county forestry offices can provide the specific permit rules and safety guidance for your area.
