Atlanta is waking up to clear skies Thursday, but the easy morning will give way to a furnace-like afternoon. Temperatures are expected to climb to about 96 degrees, with the heat index reaching 101 as light winds offer little relief.
Thursday’s Heat Arrives Fast
The forecast calls for sunny skies, an east wind of 0 to 5 mph and only a small chance of rain. According to the National Weather Service, the heat index could reach the low 100s across the area, while the broader region remains under a heat advisory in far northwest Georgia through 8 p.m.
Thursday night should stay mostly clear, with a low near 75. Even after sunset, lingering humidity could keep conditions feeling close to 100 for a time, so overnight relief may be limited.
Storm Chances Return This Weekend
Friday will bring another mostly sunny day with a high near 95 and a heat index around 100. Rain chances remain low for Atlanta, but the pattern begins to turn more unsettled as moisture moves back into Georgia.
Saturday stays hot near 95, with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms beginning mainly after 2 p.m. Sunday brings a high around 94 and another 30% chance of afternoon storms, with the rain risk increasing to 40% Sunday night.
Labor Day Brings Cooler Air And More Rain
Labor Day should offer a brief break from the worst heat, with a high near 87 and a low around 69. A slight chance of morning showers will give way to a better chance of showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening.
Tuesday looks mostly sunny near 89, followed by a sunny Wednesday with a high around 91. For Thursday’s heat, residents should drink water regularly, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours and check on children, older adults, neighbors and pets. According to a CDC assessment, heat-related illness in Georgia accounted for approximately ten classified deaths annually from 1999 to 2010.
