National Weather Service Warns Of 'High Fire Danger' For Georgia

GEORGIA — With low humidity, strong winds and hot temperatures, the weather conditions are the perfect mixture for fires to start along metro Atlanta.

The National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement Wednesday for north and central Georgia warning of high fire danger conditions through tonight due to low relative humidity and strong winds.

Relative humidities of 25 percent or less can be expected for four or more hours. In addition, west winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts to near 20 mph are also expected, the NWS said. With dry fuels, high fire danger conditions can be expected.

The NWS asks the public to refer to local burn permitting authorities concerning whether your may burn outdoors. If you do burn outside, use extreme caution.

As temperatures across Georgia continue to rise, the National Weather Service issued another special weather statement for record heat this week.

An extended period of unseasonably hot temperatures will continue through the latter part of this week across north and central Georgia, the NWS said. Widespread high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s are expected, with some locations exceeding 100 degrees, especially along and south of a Columbus to Macon to Warrenton line in middle Georgia.

These temperatures are around 15 degrees above normal for late May. In addition, little relief is expected during the night as temperature sonly fall into the 70s in many locations, the NWS said.

Little to no precipitation is expected in the area until possibly the end of this week.

The unusual heat this early in the season has already resulted in broken records and additional records are likely to be broken in the next several days with all time monthly records in jeopardy as well.

Additionally, the NWS issued a hazardous weather outlook for most of Georgia.

Beginning Wednesday through Monday, the NWS said hot temperatures will continue across the area through the latter portion of this week with high temperatures climbing into the 90s area wide and near or a little over 100 across portions of central Georgia. Some of these temperatures could set additional daily records in addition to all time records for May.

There is a slight to low end chance for thunderstorms Thursday night through Sunday, mainly across portions of north Georgia. The primary threat from any thunderstorms will be gusty winds and lightning.

The NWS warns the public to take extra precautions for the heat by remaining hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and limiting strenuous activities when spending time outdoors. Also, "Look Before You Lock," and don't leave children or pets unattended in a hot vehicle.