Metro Atlanta and North Georgia are at risk of scattered strong-to-severe thunderstorms on Saturday evening, after temperatures climb into the mid-30s Celsius and heat and humidity build across the region.
The National Weather Service said increased moisture would help trigger storms during the afternoon and evening, with the greatest chance of severe weather in north and west-central Georgia. The main threats are damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and heavy rain.
Temperatures in the Atlanta area are expected to reach about 34-35C, with heat index values approaching 38C in some communities. The unseasonable warmth is running roughly 10-15 degrees above average for this time of year.
Storms will be scattered rather than affecting every location, but the strongest cells could produce wind gusts of up to 60mph and hail around the size of a dime. Downpours may lead to temporarily difficult driving conditions, while lightning will remain a hazard during outdoor activity.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue into Saturday night, with some residual activity lingering into Sunday morning. The National Weather Service said rain and thunderstorms would remain possible on each day into early next week, although the risk will ease to about 40 per cent on Sunday and Monday.
Rain chances are forecast to rise to 60 per cent on Tuesday, September 22, the first official day of autumn, when cooler conditions are expected to begin returning to the region.
