The day is starting off warm and soupy in Peachtree City and across metro Atlanta, with temperatures stuck in the mid-70s and humidity making the air feel downright sticky. The heat is set to crank up through the day, with highs near 90 and heat index values pushing into the upper 90s to low 100s this afternoon. Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected later, and some of those storms could turn strong with gusty winds and periods of heavy rain.
Heat Advisory And Timing
A Heat Advisory is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. today for parts of east-central Georgia, where forecasters say heat index values could top 105 in the advisory area. According to the National Weather Service Peachtree City, the humid, moisture-loaded pattern in place will help feed afternoon storms and support locally efficient rainfall. For background on the ongoing heat pattern, see our earlier Hoodline coverage on swampy heat and pop-up storms all week.
Storms This Afternoon Could Be Strong
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to increase in coverage from mid-afternoon into the evening, with the highest chances roughly between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Forecasters note that the strongest cells may produce damaging wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph, frequent lightning, and brief heavy rainfall that could drop about a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch in isolated spots. That setup raises the risk of localized flash or nuisance flooding and sudden traffic slowdowns, so it is a good idea to build in some extra travel time if you are heading out during the afternoon and early evening.
Where To Cool Off And Safety Tips
If the heat is your main concern, the City has opened cooling centers and hydration stations across Atlanta, with Butler Park and other locations listed on the city's cooling-center page. See the city's current list on ATL311 for specific addresses and hours; many sites operate roughly 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. while the advisory is in effect. Check on vulnerable neighbors, keep pets out of the worst of the heat, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and do not attempt to drive through standing water if a storm drops heavy rain in a short period of time.
Quick Forecast Snapshot
Today: High near 90 with a 60 to 70 percent chance of afternoon storms and a heat index in the upper 90s to low 100s. Tonight: Low around 71 with showers and thunderstorms likely and additional pockets of heavy rain possible. Monday: Highs in the mid-80s with lingering showers, then temperatures trend back toward the low 90s by midweek.
