Sweltering temperatures and a rising risk of thunderstorms are set to disrupt weekend plans across metro Atlanta, with highs reaching the mid-90s and the heat index climbing to around 100F (38C).
The National Weather Service in Peachtree City said temperatures would remain 10 to 15 degrees above average for mid-September, while scattered showers and thunderstorms were expected across north and central Georgia from Friday through the weekend.
Storm risk rises on Saturday
Friday is forecast to be mostly sunny and dry, with temperatures reaching about 96F (36C) in Atlanta. A small number of afternoon storms could develop, and the strongest may bring damaging gusts of wind, frequent lightning and intense rainfall capable of causing localised flooding.
Metro Atlanta and areas to the east and north-east face a low-level risk of severe weather. An air-quality alert has also been issued for Friday, with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources warning that conditions could be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Children, people with asthma and those with heart or lung conditions have been advised to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity, particularly during the late afternoon and early evening when ozone levels are expected to be highest.
Saturday is likely to begin bright and dry before showers and thunderstorms become more widespread from around 2pm. The storms could continue into the evening, with central and western parts of the Atlanta area facing the greatest risk of severe weather.
Temperatures are expected to reach about 95F (35C), with humidity pushing the heat index close to 100F. Forecasters say the main threats from any stronger storms will be damaging winds, frequent lightning, torrential rain and isolated flash flooding.
Conditions should begin to settle later on Saturday night, although a few storms may linger.
Sunday will bring some modest relief, with highs falling to about 91F (33C). The day is expected to be partly sunny, but isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms will remain possible.
More noticeable relief is forecast next week, when temperatures are expected to fall into the upper 80s and then the mid-80s, bringing Atlanta closer to typical late-September conditions.
