Heat Advisory Issued for July 4th in Georgia, Threatening Festivities

GEORGIA — A heat warning has been issued for Independence Day in parts of northwest and central Georgia, according to the National Weather Service’s Peachtree City office.

The advisory goes into effect at 1 p.m. Thursday and lasts until 7 p.m. that evening.

Weather officials are predicting heat index values ​​of up to 109 in the region. They added that high temperatures and high humidity could potentially lead to heat-related illnesses.

Fulton, Gwinnett, Bartow, Barrow, Clarke, Oconee, Cobb, Paulding, Cherokee, Douglas, DeKalb, Rockdale, Clayton, Henry, Butts, Spalding, Muscogee and Upson counties are among those affected by the advisory.

Weather officials are recommending that residents drink plenty of water and stay in air-conditioned rooms. They also recommend staying out of the sun and checking on relatives or neighbors.

• Take extra precautions when outdoors.
• Wear light, loose clothing.
• Try to limit intense activities to the early morning or evening.
• Take action when you notice symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
• To reduce risks while working outdoors, take frequent breaks
• shaded or air-conditioned environments.
• Anyone affected by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded area.
• Heatstroke is an emergency. Call 911.

RELATED: Fireworks Near Me: July 4, 2024 Events in Georgia

On Wednesday afternoon, the temperature was 91 degrees in metro Atlanta and 94 degrees in Columbus. Coastal Georgia was a bit cooler, with 87 degrees in Savannah.

Much to the dismay of Fourth of July observers, temperatures are expected to hover around the mid-90s for the remainder of the week.

The heat could persist throughout the weekend, and weather services say additional heat advisories may be needed.