Weather Alert: NWS issues a Heat Advisory for the local area until 8 p.m. on July 4th

Potential for strong to severe thunderstorms possible each afternoon through next week

Update

The National Weather Service at Peachtree City has issued a Heat Advisory that will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Heat index values up to 108 are possible for portions of central, east central, north central, northeast, northwest and west central Georgia. Walton, Gwinnett and surrounding counties are included in the advisory. The NWS warns residents that hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.

You are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and 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 9 1 1.

In addition, Isolated to Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and early evening across north Georgia. Several storms may become strong to severe, capable pf producing damaging wind
gusts, large hail, and frequent lightning. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible each afternoon
across North Georgia through Saturday. Scattered thunderstorms will then be possible across North and Central GA each afternoon Sunday through the middle of next week.

Initial advisories

The heat continues! Another Heat Advisory has been issued from noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday for North and Central Georgia and chances are likely that won’t be the last this week. In addition, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division has issued a Code Orange (Unhealthy for sensitive groups) Air Quality Alert for Atlanta for Thursday July 2.

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, please visit http://airnow.gov.

With regard to the heat advisory, looks like more of the same through the July 4th Holiday.

At 8 p.m. the National Weather Service cancelled the Heat Advisory that was issued for noon from 8 p.m Wednesday, However, the heat continues for portions of central, east central, north central, northeast, northwest, and west central Georgia, including Walton, Gwinnett and surrounding counties. So, a Heat Advisory has now been issued for the same period Wednesday and again tomorrow – from noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, with indices of up to 106 expected.

As the heat continues, so do the warnings.

IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. 

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. 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 9 1 1.

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