Atlanta is starting Saturday under clear skies and temperatures in the mid-70s, but the city is headed for a brutal afternoon. The high is expected to reach 98 degrees, with humidity pushing the heat index into the triple digits and making outdoor plans risky during the hottest hours.
A Heat Advisory is in effect through 8 p.m. Saturday, with heat index values reaching as high as 103 degrees around Atlanta and up to 107 degrees in parts of the broader advisory area. The National Weather Service recommends drinking plenty of fluids, taking breaks in air conditioning or shade, and checking on children, older adults, neighbors and pets. Heat stress is influenced by exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity.
Saturday Storm Threat Arrives Late
Most of Saturday should stay sunny, with light and variable winds generally below 5 mph. A few showers or thunderstorms could develop from late afternoon into the evening, including around the Atlanta metro area, and stronger storms may produce damaging wind gusts.
Saturday night will remain warm, with a low around 76 and lingering heat-index values near 102. Patchy fog is expected after 4 a.m., which could create a hazier start for early Sunday drivers.
Sunday Stays Hot Before A Labor Day Shift
Sunday will bring another near-summer day, with scattered to numerous afternoon showers and storms. Storm coverage should increase compared with Saturday, although many Atlanta neighborhoods may still see long stretches of sunshine.
Conditions turn noticeably cooler for Labor Day, when partly sunny skies and a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms accompany a high near 86. Winds will be stronger from the east at 10 to 15 mph, with storm chances continuing into Monday evening.
Heat Returns By Midweek
Tuesday should be mostly sunny with a high near 89, followed by highs around 91 Wednesday and 93 Thursday. Overnight lows will settle near 71 to 72 degrees through midweek, offering some relief before daytime temperatures climb again.
Atlanta has experienced declining tree-canopy coverage and annual canopy loss.
