Blazing Summer Heat To Scorch GA: See How Hot It Can Get

Georgia residents will experience the first major heat wave of the year this week, weather officials warned.

The scorching heat can reach apparent (feel-like) temperatures of at least 100 degrees in Atlanta, Athens and Macon, according to the National Weather Service on Sunday. The Columbus and Rome areas can also reach the triple digits.

Tuesday is shaping up to be the hottest day of the week as a high of 98 degrees is predicted in metro Atlanta — up 3 degrees from Monday's high temperature.

Temperatures in at least three dozen states will be subjected to blistering heat, according to AccuWeather.

As temperatures traditionally drop at night, the private forecast service advised hot summer days could become hot summer nights along the East Coast.

AccuWeather predicted "real feel" temperatures of 100 to 105 degrees Monday afternoon in Georgia and other parts of the East Coast. These temperatures may slightly rise to a whopping 105-110 degrees, creating a "toasty" Tuesday afternoon, according to AccuWeather.

"Vulnerable people, such as the elderly or young children, are most susceptible to heat-related illness," AccuWeather Meteorologist Jacob Hinson said in a news release. "Caution should be taken if spending any appreciable amount of time outside, such as by staying hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages, taking frequent breaks and seeking shade."

The sweltering heat will be a prelude to a stormy end to the week. According to the NWS forecast, a series of thunderstorms are expected to arrive Wednesday and could last through at least Sunday.

The greatest chances for showers and thunderstorms are Saturday and Sunday, when there is a 60 percent probability for rainy weather in the metro.

The National Weather Service did not indicate potential hazards with the storms.

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

Today: Sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 98. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Calm wind.

Tuesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 101. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Calm wind.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.

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

Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.

Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

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