Heat Advisory Issued, Storms Forecast For Parts Of GA

GEORGIA — As rains move Monday through central Georgia, the showers could be a prelude to forthcoming showers and thunderstorms across the state this week.

Monday's showers were due to a front moving toward the southern region, said Vaughn Smith, meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Peachtree City office.

In its hazardous weather outlook, the weather service said the isolated to scattered thunderstorms were largely sitting south of the Interstate 20 corridor. These storms could generate lightning and locally heavy rain, according to the outlook.

The storms could return to central Georgia on Tuesday afternoon, with scattered thunderstorms possible Wednesday-Sunday, according to the outlook.

Smith told Patch the predicted showers and thunderstorms in coming days are normal weather for the Peach State during this time of the year.

He added any upcoming rainfall for north and central Georgia, which includes metro Atlanta and surrounding communities, this week is not expected to be severe.

As for temperatures, heat index values could warm up as the week continues, he said.

The weather service predicted Tuesday may see the highest temperature at 98 degrees. The apparent temperature, or feel-like temperature, could also linger around 98 or 99 degrees, Smith said.

However, Wednesday's apparent temperature may rise to around 100 degrees.

As of Monday morning, the weather service did not plan to issue a heat advisory for north or central Georgia.

However, coastal Bryan, coastal Chatham, coastal Liberty and coastal McIntosh counties were placed under a heat advisory from noon until 6 p.m. Monday. Heat indices are expected to land between 106 and 110.

"Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses," the forecast said.

The weather service offered the following tips for extreme heat:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Stay in an air-conditioned room.
• Stay out of the sun.
• Check up on relatives and neighbors.
• Take extra precautions when outside.
• Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.
• Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
• Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
• Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an
• emergency. Call 911.

As of around 11:30 a.m. Monday, the National Weather Service predicted the following forecast for metro Atlanta:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 95. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 72. North wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tuesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8pm and 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.

Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 75.

Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 96.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.

Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.

Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.