The National Weather Service in Atlanta is warning of dangerously high heat and humidity across Georgia from Sunday through Tuesday, with some of the highest heat index values of the year expected.
Cities including Atlanta, Athens, Columbus, Macon, and Rome could experience heat index values as high as 112 degrees Fahrenheit, according to NWS forecasts.
The warning comes just days after Wednesday, July 23, was identified as the peak of the “dog days of summer” — the stretch of sweltering weather that typically runs from July 3 to August 11.
The NWS urges residents to take extra precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets.
Health officials stress heat safety
Georgia’s high humidity can make already hot days even more dangerous, especially for people working or spending time outdoors, said Kristin Patten, public information officer with the South Health District in Valdosta.
“Just make sure that you’re drinking plenty of water — at least two to four cups of water every hour,” Patten said.
The National Weather Service recommends people without air conditioning take cold showers or baths to stay cool, as fans alone may not be enough.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and headaches, said Meghan Herendeen with the Southwest Health District in Albany. She stressed the importance of quickly lowering the body’s internal temperature.
More severe symptoms — such as confusion, slurred speech, and seizures — could indicate heat stroke and require immediate medical attention.
Between 2018 and 2022, 76 people in Georgia died from heat-related illnesses, according to CDC data.
Stay up to date with the latest forecasts and advisories at weather.gov.
This article comes to Now Habersham from GPB News
