ATLANTA — Wednesday will be the hottest day of the year so far for the Atlanta area. The 11Alive Weather Team is forecasting a high temperature of 99 degrees Wednesday afternoon at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
This comes as the city enters day 7 of the current heat wave, which shows no signs of ending over the next week.
If we reach 99 degrees, it would be just shy of the record of 100 degrees set in 1914. . If we reach 100 and tie the record, it would be our first 100-degree day since August 2019.
Other spots around North Georgia could hit 100 degrees Wednesday, including Peachtree City and Eatonton.
The heat wave will last into the weekend and beyond.
We will see changes in humidity. Thus far, the low humidity has kept our heat indices from reaching heat advisory criteria at or above 105 degrees. As the dew points push us into a more tropical airmass this weekend, feel-like temperatures will be hotter than the actual temperatures outside.
The Dangers Of Heat
As we continue through this heat wave, it's a good idea to think daily about the impact heat can have on our bodies. Heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the United States each year. In 2023, heat was responsible for 207 fatalities, according to data from the National Weather Service.
Heat Exhaustion:
- Symptoms: Feeling faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, cool, pale, and clammy skin, rapid, weak pulse, muscle cramps.
- Response: Move to a cool, air-conditioned place, drink water if possible, take a cool shower, or use a cold compress to help the body cool down.
Heat Stroke:
- Symptoms: Throbbing headache, no sweating, red, hot, dry skin, rapid, strong pulse, possible loss of consciousness.
- Response: Call 911 and seek immediate medical help.
Prevention Tips
To prevent heat-related illnesses, consider the following tips:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages as they can lead to dehydration.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing: Opt for lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing to help your body cool down.
- Limit Outdoor Activities: Schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
- Take Frequent Breaks: If you’re working or exercising outdoors, take frequent breaks in a shaded or air-conditioned area.
- Use Fans and Air Conditioning: Utilize fans and air conditioning to help keep indoor spaces cool.
This Month's Heat: In Perspective
Through Tuesday, Atlanta has seen 14 days at or above 90 degrees this year. It's only the early days of summer, and we are expecting warmer-than-average temperatures as we close out the month and start July. On average, we see 47 days a year in the 90s+. The record stands for 91 days from 2019.
The entire back half of June has been very warm. This has pushed our average temperature for the month (to date) up to 80.6 degrees, making it the eighth warmest June on record. With additional hot days ahead, we could see our place climb in the rankings.
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