GA Storms To Bring Heavy Rains, Flooding, 109-Degree Heat

ATLANTA, GA — The weather is shaping up to be sizzling hot in Georgia through the weekend with forecasters predicting persistent triple-digit heat index values in some parts of the state during thunderstorms that may produce heavy rains, flooding and frequent lightning.

In metro Atlanta and surrounding communities, isolated thunderstorms are possible Thursday afternoon, according to a NWS hazardous weather outlook. Then, scattered to widespread thunderstorms are expected Friday through Monday, when extremely heavy rainfall and localized flooding are possible.

Middle Georgia appears to be targeted by the hottest of the weather, with Macon possibly reaching a heat index of 109 degrees by Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Elsewhere, in Athens, heat indices, otherwise known as "feels like" temperatures, can climb to 107 degrees.

The Atlanta area will not be too far off from its counterparts, facing 105-degree apparent temperatures by Monday. On Thursday and Friday, the expected heat index value is 101 degrees.

The NWS said it foresees activating heat advisories daily in central Georgia, potentially as well as in some areas in northern region. In the past, NWS meteorologists have told Patch that a heat advisory may be issued for an area if the 105-degree threshold is cleared.

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency offered the following safety tips for battling extreme heat:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in your body. Anyone on a fluid-restricted diet or who has a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake. People with epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease should also consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest information.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Spend time in air-conditioned places. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spend some time each day in an air-conditioned environment such as public libraries, shopping malls or other indoor public spaces.
• Stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.

While Georgians try to stay safe from the searing heat, they also could face daily storms through at least Wednesday.

Updates will be posted on the weather service's Twitter page, the weather service's Facebook page and its website.

Here is the National Weather Service's detailed forecast Thursday morning for metro Atlanta:

Today: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 98. South wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph.

Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 99. Southwest wind 5-10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. West wind 5-10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m., then a slight chance of showers between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m.. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.

Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.

Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.

Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.

Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.

Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.

Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.

ALSO SEE: Get The Latest Local News (For Free!) With One Quick Tap