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Wednesday Evening Weather Update
RING THE BELL! Atlanta set a record high on Wednesday at 99. The old mark was 96 set back in 1952. A few t-storms thru the evening capable of damaging winds and hail. Slow to cool overnight and then another scorcher on Thursday. Here is the latest.
ATLANTA - Georgians are in for another sizzling day. A heat advisory covers most of metro Atlanta, north and west Georgia, starting at noon. An Excessive Heat Watch will take effect in counties east of metro Atlanta and in central Georgia, beginning at 11 a.m.
The National Weather Service said both remain in effect until 8 p.m. Several cooling stations have been opened across the area.
Heat indexes in some areas could exceed 110, but all of metro Atlanta should expect temperatures to feel like 100 or above.
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The heat advisory includes: Dade County, Walker County, Catoosa County, Whitfield County, Murray County, Chattooga County, Gordon County, Pickens County, Dawson County, Lumpkin County, White County, Floyd County, Bartow County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, Hall County, Banks County, Polk County, Paulding County, Cobb County, North Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Haralson County, Carroll County, Douglas County, South Fulton County, DeKalb County, Heard County, Coweta County, Fayette County, Clayton County, Spalding County, Henry County, Troup County, Meriwether County, Pike County.
Be aware of the excessive heat watch in these counties: Jackson County, Madison County, Barrow County, Clarke County, Oconee County, Oglethorpe County, Rockdale County, Walton County, Newton County, Morgan County, Greene County, Butts County, Jasper County, Putnam County, Upson County, Lamar County.
Temperatures will climb into the mid to upper 90s by midday.
Storms could pop up, but too late in the day to prevent near-record high temperatures. Scattered storms, some severe, are expected mainly after 4pm and into the evening.
Potential severe storms
Some storms late Wednesday afternoon into the evening could present heavy rain and strong wind.
Most of metro Atlanta and central Georgia is under a slight risk for severe weather. The northern-most parts of the state have a marginal risk from storms.
Signs of heat stroke, heat exhaustion
Someone suffering from heat exhaustion, the less serious of the heat-related medical conditions, may exhibit:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Cold, pale and clammy skin
- Possible fainting and vomiting
Heat stroke, which happens when an internal body temperature reaches 106 degrees, is more serious and has severe symptoms:
- Hot, dry skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Possible unconsciousness, fainting
Even if you chose to work out this morning, beware that temperatures could increase rapidly. It's advised to take it easy outside and stay hydrated when performing any physical activity.
Heat precautions
During this dangerous heat wave, it'll be imperative to take the proper precautions to stay cool and stay safe.
First off, try to limit the time spent outdoors during excessive heat. The best time to be outdoors would be early in the morning or later in the evening.
If you need to go outdoors during the day, wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing and drink plenty of fluids.
Always "look before you lock" to ensure you have not left any children or pets inside a car. Temperatures inside a locked vehicle with the windows rolled up can be deadly.