Atlanta is starting Friday under clear skies at about 77 degrees, but the calm morning will give way to another furnace-like afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach 95, with the heat index near 100 and little wind to provide relief.
Friday Brings More Sun, More Heat
Sunny skies will dominate Friday, with only a small chance of rain and southeast winds generally between 0 and 5 mph. The National Weather Service’s Peachtree City office says a Heat Advisory remains in effect through 8 p.m. Friday for portions of northwest Georgia.
Friday night should stay mostly clear, with a low around 75. Humidity will linger after sunset, and the heat index could still reach 99 for a time, making overnight relief less dramatic than the thermometer suggests.
Storm Chances Rise This Weekend
Saturday will be another hot one, with sunshine, a high near 95 and heat index values as high as 101. A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives after 2 p.m., with a slight chance continuing into Saturday night.
Sunday keeps the heat in the mid-90s or lower, but storm chances become more notable after 2 p.m. and into Sunday night. According to the National Weather Service, some storms could become more organized, bringing strong or damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and locally heavy rain.
Labor Day Eases The Heat
Labor Day should feel less punishing, with a high near 88 and a 30% chance of rain and thunderstorms. Storms become more possible after 2 p.m.
The cooler holiday forecast is temporary rather than a full change of season. Tuesday through Thursday should bring low to mid-90s temperatures with isolated to scattered daily thunderstorm chances.
Heat Safety Still Matters According to Fulton County’s Resilience Study, cooling centers are important during extreme temperatures because they reduce the risks of extreme heat exposure.
With heat indexes near or above 100 Friday and Saturday, outdoor plans call for water, shade and regular breaks. Children, older adults, outdoor workers and pets are especially vulnerable, so avoid leaving anyone in a parked vehicle even for a short errand.
