Dangerous heat and humidity will be the main weather concern across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia through the weekend, with heat index values climbing into the triple digits and little relief expected overnight.
With the dog days of August bringing continued heat to Northwest Georgia, public health officials are reminding residents to take precautions outdoors while also beginning to prepare for the upcoming fall respiratory illness season.
Dr. Gary Voccio, Health Director for the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Northwest Health District, recommends scheduling outdoor activities during the early morning or late evening whenever possible rather than during the hottest part of the day.
Residents are also encouraged to drink plenty of water, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, and avoid heavy foods during periods of high heat.
At the same time, health officials are looking ahead to fall and flu season. Voccio says this is a good time to consider vaccinations against influenza and other respiratory illnesses, particularly for older adults and young children.
With a new school year getting underway, parents are also encouraged to make sure their children are up to date on recommended vaccinations.
Additional information about immunizations and vaccinations is available through the Northwest Health District.
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for dangerous heat today, with heat index values expected to climb as high as 106 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from noon until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday for nearly all of north and central Georgia.
While showers and thunderstorms will keep temperatures a little lower through the weekend, much hotter weather is expected to return to northwest Georgia next week.
Highs in Chattooga County are forecast to climb into the lower 90s on Sunday, then reach the middle 90s by Tuesday. Heat index values are expected to top 100 degrees each afternoon, making it feel even hotter.
The National Weather Service says the hottest conditions are expected Monday through Wednesday as high humidity combines with the summer heat. Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and check on elderly neighbors, children and pets.
While a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms remains in the forecast next week, widespread relief from the heat is not expected.
Those planning to celebrate Independence Day outdoors across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for another day of dangerous heat, with only a slight chance of an afternoon thunderstorm.
Today will be sunny and very hot with a high near 96 degrees. Heat index values are expected to climb as high as 102 degrees during the afternoon. While an isolated shower or thunderstorm could develop after 2 p.m., mainly along the Alabama state line and in parts of far northwest Georgia, most communities are expected to remain dry through much of the day. A few additional thunderstorms will be possible Saturday evening before skies become partly cloudy overnight.
The National Weather Service says heat remains the biggest concern. “Feels like” temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees by around 10 a.m. and may not fall below that level until nearly 11 p.m., making it uncomfortably hot even after sunset. Anyone attending parades, cookouts, ballgames, fireworks displays, or other outdoor events should drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, wear light-colored clothing, and check on children, older adults, and pets.
Rain chances increase beginning Sunday as the weather pattern becomes more typical for early July. Afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms are expected Sunday through at least Friday, with daily rain chances ranging from 40 to 60 percent. High temperatures will ease slightly into the lower 90s by early next week, but humidity will keep heat index values in the upper 90s to around 100 degrees each afternoon.
Anyone spending time outdoors over the holiday weekend should continue to monitor the forecast, especially if thunderstorms develop later in the weekend.
Independence Day
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 102. Calm wind.
Saturday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Sunday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 2pm and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 101. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am, then a chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday
A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Wednesday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Thursday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Thursday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Friday
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
The Georgia Department of Public Health is reminding Georgians and visitors to stay safe and healthy while celebrating the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Dangerous and potentially life-threatening heat is expected across Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia today as an Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect from noon until 8 p.m.
A prolonged stretch of dangerous heat is expected to impact Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this week, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the 90s and heat index values frequently reaching between 100 and 105 degrees.
With summer quickly approaching and temperatures already climbing across Northwest Georgia, local health officials are reminding residents to take precautions when spending time outdoors.