The National Weather Service in Atlanta has issued two heat advisories for North Georgia, including Cobb County, for Thursday and Friday.
The advisories last from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, as temperatures have soared to their highest of the summer, and with extreme humidity in the forecast.
The heat index (temperatures and humidity) for those periods both days is expected to be above 100 degrees.
As of noon Thursday, the temperature in East Cobb was 90, but with 56 percent humidity the heat index was at 99.
Temperatures in the Cobb area were expected to reach the mid-90s Thursday, with similar humidity figures.
Across the heat advisory area, heat index values Thursday could reach as high as 105. For Friday, that high could get to 106.
How to stay cool, per the NWS:
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.
When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
There’s also a Code Orange air quality advisory issued for North Georgia for Thursday by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division.
That means outdoor air quality is likely to be bad for seniors, children, people who are sensitive to ozone and those with heart and lung disease.
Those individuals should limit outdoor activities during the late afternoon or early evening, when ozone levels are at their highest.
The hot weather will continue through the weekend, with sunny skies and highs in the mid- to low-90s forecast for Saturday and Sunday.
At the start of next week, the temperatures will come down to highs in the 80s, with more rain moving into the area.
More details from the National Weather Service.
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