Update: Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued until midnight – Heat Advisory remains until 8 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until midnight tonight, Wednesday, June 25, for 26 Georgia counties including Gwinnett, Walton and the surrounding counties of Barrow, Morgan, Clarke, Madison and Oconee. This includes the cities of Lawrenceville, Madison, Monroe, Watkinsville and Winder.

In addition, a Code Orange Air Quality Alert has been issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division for tomorrow, Thursday, June 26.

According to the GDNR, “under Code Orange conditions, the outdoor air quality is likely to be unhealthy for some people. Children, people who are sensitive to ozone, and people with heart or lung disease should limit prolonged outdoor exertion during the late afternoon or early evening when ozone concentrations are highest.

For additional information on the Air Quality Index, visit http://airnow.gov.

Update

The National Weather Service in its Hazardous Weather Outlook for north and central Georgia, which includes Walton, Gwinnett and surrounding counties, issued the following information for today and the next week. The Heat Advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. along with the potential for storms after 1 p.m., some possibly severe. However, in the local area storms are not expected until this evening.

According to the NWS for today and tonight, “hazardous heat is expected in north and central Georgia today. Heat index values will peak between 100 and 109 degrees between noon and 8 PM. Precautions should be taken to prevent heat related illnesses, especially for vulnerable populations like the
elderly, young children and pets.

“Isolated thunderstorms are expected after 1 p.m. today with more widespread storms likely between 6 p.m. today and 4 AM Thursday. Some of the storms could be severe with damaging winds in the 50 to 70 mph range being the primary concern. Some tree damage and power outages may occur. Hail up to quarter size will be a secondary threat with any severe storms.”

And for the rest of the week, Thursday through Tuesday, NWS notes:

“Scattered thunderstorms are expected Thursday afternoon and evening. The strongest storms may produce damaging downburst wind gusts in the 40 to 60 mph range. Additional scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorm activity is expected each day through Tuesday.

The good news is, and there is some, the temperatures, although relatively high are not as bad as we experiences Tuesday and Wednesday this week. The rest of the week is looking at highs hitting the high 80, or just hitting 90 degrees, and lows in the high 60s or just hitting 70.

Initial alert

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for portions of central, east central, north central, northeast, northwest, southeast, and west central Georgia from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday June 25, 2025. This includes Walton, Gwinnett and the surrounding counties.

According to the NWS, heat index values up to 107 expected. “Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”