Atlanta is starting Tuesday, September 1, with clear skies and mild temperatures before the city turns hot in a hurry. The afternoon high is expected to reach 95 degrees, with a heat index near 98 and little help from the breeze.
According to the National Weather Service, Tuesday will stay sunny with only a 2% chance of rain. Northeast winds will remain light at 0 to 5 mph, making the heat feel more stubborn for anyone spending the afternoon outdoors.
Wednesday Looks Even Hotter
Wednesday, September 2, could be the hottest day of the near-term forecast, with mostly sunny skies, a high near 96 degrees and a heat index as high as 101. Overnight lows will stay in the mid-70s, offering limited relief before Thursday and Friday bring more highs around 95.
Rain chances remain very low through Friday, generally staying below 15%. That means outdoor plans should be mostly dry during the workweek, but the combination of strong sun, humidity and light winds will make shaded breaks and regular hydration important.
Storm Chances Return This Weekend
The pattern finally becomes a little less relentlessly sunny Saturday, September 5, when a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives after 2 p.m. Sunday, September 6, brings a better chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, with a 30% rain chance and a high near 94.
Labor Day, Monday, September 7, looks somewhat cooler with a high near 90, though rain chances will remain in the forecast. A slight chance of showers is expected during the morning, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon.
Heat Safety Still Matters
No watches, warnings or advisories are posted in the current forecast, but the heat index will approach 100 degrees on Tuesday and reach the low 100s Wednesday. The National Weather Service Atlanta office advises residents to take heat exposure seriously, especially children, older adults, people working outside and pets.
