Georgia heat wave: Hottest week of the year continues with high temps, humidity

Thursday morning weather forecast

While the temperature is a bit cooler than yesterday, it's still going to be a scorcher with heat index values near or above 100.

ATLANTA - The hottest week of the year in Georgia continues. Expect dry and extremely warm conditions through next week.

With the heat comes the humidity, making it feel even hotter.

Overnight temperatures won’t offer much relief with temperatures in the mid to upper 70s.

This trend is expected to continue through at least Saturday with very little change.

The heat builds through the week with Friday and Saturday flirting with 100 degrees before the heat index.

A Heat Advisory is expected to be in place most of the week.

Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Atlanta on Thursday

Heat and air quality typically go hand-in-hand. This week is no exception.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Thursday.

That means the air will be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Children, people who are sensitive to ozone, and people with heart or lung disease should limit prolonged outdoor exertion during the late afternoon or early evening when ozone concentrations are highest.

Thursday's temperatures will reach near record highs to start the day with heat index values near or above 100 degrees.

When will this heat wave end in Georgia?

More moisture will move into the area, building the chance for showers and thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoon and evening hours.

Those storms are not expected to be severe, but with all that daytime heating, strong to severe storms cannot be completely ruled out.

What are the dangers of heat?

Recent temperatures are making going outside to do simple chores or take a walk unbearable. FOX 5 Storm Team meteorologist Jonathan Stacey explains the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion at Centennial Olympic Park.

What are the dangers of heat exposure?

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two conditions caused by long-term exposure to heat.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include feeling faint or dizzy; excessive sweating; cool, pale, clammy skin; rapid, weak pulse; and muscle cramps.

The best way to elevate heat exhaustion is to get to a cool or air-conditioned place, drink water, and take a cold shower or use a cold compress.

Heat stroke symptoms include a throbbing headache; no sweating, red, hot, dry skin; rapid, strong pulse; and a loss of consciousness.

Heat stroke is an emergency situation and 911 should be called immediately.

The FOX 5 Storm Team recommends limiting outdoor activities, especially at peak heat hours, staying out of direct sunlight, taking frequent breaks, and drinking plenty of fluids.

Ways to stay cool during this heat wave

Georgia is seeing a slight heat wave, which is not unusual for this time of year. However, the heat does present dangers. FOX 5 Storm Team meteorologist Jonathan Stacey talks about those dangers and ways to stay cool.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles.

Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.

This is also a good time to check on neighbors and relatives.

What are Georgia schools doing about the heat?

Extreme heat forces precautions at schools

FOX 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Jonathan Stacey explains how some school districts, like Social Circle, are adjusting after-school activities for students as the heat soars across the state.

Schools across Georgia are not just adjusting thermostats inside, but also adjusting schedules.

In Social Circle, school officials had to move their sports practices from after school to around 6 p.m. because of the heat.

School officials are having student athletes take frequent breaks.

Cooling centers in metro Atlanta

Several cooling centers are being opened due to the extreme heat.

Here is a list of some:

Selena Butler Facility - 98 William Holmes Borders Senior Dr. SE Atlanta, GA 30312 open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Saturday.
All DeKalb County libraries and recreation centers will be available as cooling centers, during the locations’ normal business hours. Additionally, there will be free access to pools from 2 to 4 p.m. during National Weather Service heat advisory notifications days. For a list of DeKalb County recreation centers, visit dekalbcountyga.gov/weather.
MUST Ministries House located at 1297 Bells Ferry Road in Marietta will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday.

Did we miss a cooling center? Email newstipsatlanta@fox.com with that information.