Heat Indices Could Reach 103 Degrees This Weekend: GA Weather

GEORGIA — Many cities around the country are experiencing a heat wave this week leading into this weekend, and Georgia will also see its own high temperatures this weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of North and Central Georgia starting Thursday.

Scattered thunderstorms will be possible this afternoon into this evening. A few storms could be strong and an isolated severe storm will be possible. The main threats with any storm will be gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and occasional lightning.

Then beginning Friday, scattered thunderstorms are possible daily until Wednesday with the greatest chances during the afternoon and evening hours. Strong to isolated severe storms will be possible and could produce strong gusty winds, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall.

Storms aren't the only weather issue to be aware of, the NWS said.

Heat indices are forecast to be around 100 to 103 degrees in several areas through the weekend with the highest heat indices forecast on Friday. Those with outdoor plans this weekend should stay hydrated and make sure to practice good heat safety, the NWS said.

The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings, watches and heat advisories in the Plains, Midwest and parts of the East to warn residents of the dangerously hot conditions over the next few days, the Weather Channel said.

Excessive heat warnings are issued when afternoon heat indices are expected to be dangerous, if not deadly. In addition, overnight temperatures may not drop far enough to bring relief from the heat, particularly in big cities which tend to "hold in" heat more than rural areas, the Weather Channel said.

"Temperatures ranging from the mid-90s to near 100 degrees are likely to encompass much of the central and eastern states into the weekend," the Weather Channel said. "When combined with dew points into the 70s, this will produce heat indices well over 100 degrees – a combination of heat and humidity that could be dangerous for those spending too much time outdoors."

The forecast for Atlanta this weekend is:

Thursday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 99. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. West wind around 5 mph becoming southwest after midnight.

Friday
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 98. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 7 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Sunday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.

Sunday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.