Atlanta starts Thursday, August 20, under clear skies and temperatures near 75 degrees, but the calm morning is only a brief intermission. The thermometer is headed for 98 degrees, with feels-like temperatures climbing as high as 105 before a few thunderstorms potentially arrive late in the day.
Triple-Digit Heat Index Returns
Mostly sunny skies will push Atlanta into the upper 90s Thursday afternoon, while light northwest winds of 0 to 5 mph offer little relief. According to the National Weather Service, no watches, warnings or advisories are currently listed for the area, but the heat will still be intense for anyone working or exercising outdoors.
Storm Risk Arrives Late Thursday And Friday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms begins after 5 p.m. Thursday, with the risk continuing into the overnight hours. Some storms could bring frequent lightning, locally heavy rain and gusty to damaging winds, especially as a more organized line approaches from the northwest.
Friday, August 21, will be a little cooler at 93 degrees, but the heat index could still reach 101. A 50% chance of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms is expected, with the best odds generally along and south of I-85 while isolated storms remain possible across the Atlanta metro.
Weekend Looks Drier But Still Hot
A cold front should move through Saturday, bringing sunnier skies and somewhat drier air. Highs are expected to stay near 93 degrees Saturday and Sunday, with overnight lows falling into the low 70s and a notably cooler 70-degree low possible Sunday night.
Mostly sunny weather continues Monday with a high near 92, while slight rain and thunderstorm chances return Tuesday and Wednesday. The extended outlook keeps Atlanta firmly in the 90s, so the weekend may feel less oppressive without exactly qualifying as sweater weather.
Plan Around The Heat
Schedule strenuous outdoor work for the morning or evening, drink plenty of water and take breaks in air conditioning or shade during the afternoon. Anyone spending time outside Thursday or Friday should move indoors when thunder is heard, since lightning and sudden downpours can arrive quickly even when the sky is mostly bright.
