A projected high of 97 degrees in Atlanta on Thursday is not expected to break any records. But with the humidity, it will feel more like triple digits.
The oppressive heat is part of a heat wave that has sweltered across the southern half of the United States for weeks. Up to 80 million people across the country will experience heat temperatures above 105 degrees over the weekend, and dozens of daily high temperature records are expected to be set, according to the National Weather Service.
High-pressure atmospheric conditions have created a dome effect, trapping large areas of sweltering heat and sometimes preventing rain and clouds that could bring relief. The heat dome has already brought record triple-digit temperatures from Texas to California, Channel 2 Action News Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz said.
“We’re on the eastern edge of the ridge of high pressure, which has pushed our temperatures into the mid-90s,” he said. “The high-pressure ‘heat dome’ features light wind and sinking air, which tends to trap warm air in place.”
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Temperatures hit a low of 80 degrees Thursday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and those numbers are climbing fast. If the city hits 97 this afternoon, Thursday would become the hottest day of the year so far, Channel 2 meteorologist Ashley Kramlich said, topping the July 1 high of 96 degrees.
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That’s still well below the all-time high temperature on record, which was 106 degrees on June 30, 2012. But with 91% humidity, the heat index, an accurate measure of heat which is actually felt by taking both air temperature and relative humidity. watch out: It will reach 104 degrees in the city, Kramlich said.
“Staying hydrated is key because we’re going to roast today,” he said.
A heat advisory will go into effect at noon Thursday for several counties in central and eastern Georgia as they see even higher temperatures. In some areas, it could feel as hot as 108 degrees outside, the NWS warns.
This is dangerously hot. Under these conditions, the body cannot cool itself efficiently because perspiration does not evaporate easily in high humidity. Heatstroke sets in when the body’s temperature rises above 103 degrees, which can cause damage to the brain, kidneys, muscles, and even death.
It’s important to take the heat seriously and seek shade and hydration quickly when you experience symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include heavy sweating, dizziness, rapid pulse, nausea, headaches, and cool, clammy skin.
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Atlanta has opened a cooling center at the Old Martin Luther King Jr. Natatorium to help residents beat the heat. Located on Boulevard 90, it will be open Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Also on Thursday, storms will again blow in from Tennessee, but most will stay well north of the metro area. However, there is about a 20% chance that an isolated storm could appear closer to the city. But because of all the heat, the atmosphere is unstable, which means any storms that do develop can become severe.
Most of the area is under a level 2 out of 5 risk of severe weather, with the biggest concern being damaging winds and hail.
“Not all of us see the rain, but the areas that do, it could take a hit,” Kramlich said.
With a predicted high of 94 degrees, Friday’s actual temperature won’t be that hot. But it will still be steamy and feel more like triple digits again. Rain chances are also slightly better, with a 30% chance of showers in the afternoon.
The chance of rain rises to 40% on Saturday, which will be even cooler. The high is expected to fall in the 88 degree range. Sunday will be mostly dry as temperatures climb slightly into the low 90s.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
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