Strong Storms With Lightning, High Winds Possible Monday In GA

Georgians should prepare for a hot and rainy start to the work week as a heat advisory is activated, and a Level 1 marginal storm risk has been issued.

As if the sweltering heat is not enough to handle, storms are expected to arrive in the state between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Monday. Wind gusts may reach speeds of 40-60 mph, according to the NWS.

Weather officials advised of a 40 percent chance for storms Monday in the metro. Heavy rainfall and frequent lightning may be factors with the systems.

Some counties in east and central Georgia will be subjected to a heat advisory from noon to 8 p.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

While heat index values could rise to 108 degrees in some areas, the advisory was issued for counties where heat indices may reach at least 105 degrees, including Clarke, Barrow and Oconee.

In metro Atlanta, high temperatures are expected to be in the low 90s.

The threatening weather will usher in more days of possibly dangerous heats and substantial rainfall.

The NWS predicted having to issue a second heat advisory on Tuesday due to widespread high heat indices, and daily storms through at least Sunday are forecast in metro Atlanta.

The NWS advised people adhere to the following heat safety tips:

• Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible.
• Check up on older people, those who may be sickened and anyone with air conditioning.
• Never leave pets or children in the car unattended.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities.

The weather service and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency both offer lightning safety tips.

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 Monday morning detailed forecast for metro Atlanta:

Today: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 98. Northwest wind 5-10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Tonight: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Northwest wind 5-10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 99. North wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Wednesday 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 74. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.

Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

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

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