Expect temperatures to be into the 90s for highs through this weekend with heat index values nearing 100 degrees in some spots.
ATLANTA — We are going to have very hot conditions over the weekend that give good reason to use caution if you will be spending an extended period of time outside.
The next few days are expected to bring us temperatures into the mid to upper 90s, which is the hottest temperatures we’ve had so far this year. This year, the hottest temperature we’ve had so far was 95-degrees, which we hit on Friday..
The worst of the heat will be on Saturday and Sunday, where temperatures will rise into the mid to upper 90s and heat index values in some spots may climb to the 100-degree mark during the afternoon timeframe. This could be considered a major heat risk and you should listen to your body on when you may feel like heat exhaustion is becoming an issue.
Temperatures will be a degree or two cooler on Sunday, but due to the higher humidity, it will feel a bit hotter with an extreme heat risk possible in some spots around metro Atlanta.
Heat exhaustion occurs when you start to feel faint or dizzy, experience excessive sweating, have cool, pale and clammy skin, a rapid or weak pulse and muscle cramps. If this begins to occur to you, get to a cool place, drink plenty of water and try to rest.
Heat stroke can occur if you start experiencing a throbbing headache, sweating stops, skin becomes red, hot and dry, pulse becomes strong and rapid and you may also lose consciousness. If this happens, call 911.
With temperatures being so hot, why don’t we have a heat advisory in place? Heat advisories have criteria that need to be met in order for one to be issued. For our region, heat index values need to hit 105-degrees, but as of Friday afternoon, it doesn’t look like that will occur this weekend.
Other things you should keep an eye on this weekend considering the heat are your pets and kids.
Remember to check your car before you lock it and make sure you let your pets and kids out. Also, don’t leave your kids in the car even if you are only going into the store to grab one or two things.
Temperatures inside a car when it is 95-degrees outside can rise to near 130-degrees in 30-minutes.
Pavement can also be very hot for your pet’s paws. try to avoid walking in the middle of the day, when temperatures are hottest. if the outside temperature is 95-degrees, concrete could be 140-degrees and asphalt possibly up to 155-degrees. This could easily cause damage to your pet’s paws and turn into an upsetting experience along with a pricy vet bill.
While it will still be hot, temperatures will get closer to average by the middle of next week with highs around 90-degrees.
Air quality may also continue to be an issue through the weekend with the heat and sunshine expected. Just like what we dealt with Wednesday through Friday, air quality may be considered unhealthy for sensitive groups due to an increased amount of ozone.
