Northwest Georgia Faces Dangerous Heat Through Thursday
Heat index values could hit 110 degrees Thursday across seven northwest Georgia counties as the NWS issues both advisories and a rare Extreme Heat Watch through the holiday week.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — The National Weather Service office in Peachtree City issued Heat Advisories and an Extreme Heat Watch Wednesday afternoon for large portions of northwest and north central Georgia, warning residents that heat index values could reach as high as 110 degrees through Thursday evening.
The alerts, issued at 12:55 p.m. EDT on July 1, affect multiple counties and extend into the July Fourth holiday week, raising concerns about heat-related illness during one of the hottest periods of the summer.
Counties Under Alert
Seven counties in northwest Georgia are included under both the Heat Advisory and the Extreme Heat Watch: Bartow, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Polk, and Whitfield. These counties face heat index values up to 107 degrees Wednesday and potentially up to 110 degrees Thursday afternoon through evening.
Broader portions of north central and northwest Georgia also fall under a Heat Advisory, with heat index values up to 107 degrees expected. A separate advisory covering portions of north and central Georgia warns of heat index values reaching up to 106 degrees on Thursday.
Timeline of the Heat Event
The first Heat Advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. EDT Wednesday evening. A second Heat Advisory runs from noon to 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday, July 2, affecting portions of north central and northwest Georgia.
The Extreme Heat Watch is in effect from Thursday afternoon through Thursday evening for the seven-county northwest Georgia area, according to the National Weather Service. Conditions under an Extreme Heat Watch are considered dangerously hot.
Health Risks and Safety
The National Weather Service warned that heat-related illnesses increase significantly during periods of extreme heat combined with high humidity. Officials noted that both hot temperatures and elevated humidity levels contribute to the danger.
Residents in affected counties are advised to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated, and seek air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day, particularly between noon and 8 p.m. Thursday when conditions are forecast to be at their most severe.
