GA Weather: Code Orange Issued, Dangerous Temps Forecast For Metro ATL

ATLANTA, GA — A code orange air quality alert went into effect Wednesday for some metro Atlanta residents while forecasters say dangerous temperatures are expected to rise in the area Friday.

The air is considered unhealthy for people in sensitive groups, including groups like children and those with heart or lung disease.

People affected by the code orange alert should limit their outdoor exertion in the afternoon and evening.

The temperature Wednesday is expected to heat up to 91 degrees with a 58 percent humidity level, according to the National Weather Service's forecast. A few clouds may arrive, but for the most part, metro Atlanta will be sunny.

Thursday is expected to be even hotter with a high of 97 degrees, according to the forecast.

Vaughn Smith, a meteorologist with the weather service's Peachtree City office, told Patch the "feel like" temperatures for the weekend are forecast to be around 105 degrees. Temperatures should be in the mid- to upper 90s Friday through Sunday, he said.

Though a 20-30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms are possible for the weekend, Smith said the real threat is the heat.

"With temps that hot, you got to make sure that you stay hydrated during the day," Smith said.

People should be mindful of not leaving their children and pets inside of cars, he said, noting high temperatures can kill within an hour or so of a person or pet being left in a car.

"If not hydrated, a person can suffer heat stroke," Smith said. "The temperature of the body wasn't meant to handle temps that hot."

Smith urges residents to stay in air-conditioned places, find shade and stay hydrated. The weather service offers additional heat safety on its website and Twitter.