Friday

06-27-2025 Vol 2004

Safety Measures for Atlanta Residents Amid Ongoing Heat and Storm Risks

As Atlanta grapples with intense heat, a majority of power outages are affecting metro Atlanta, Middle Georgia, and coastal areas.

Georgia Power is currently focused on restoring electricity as swiftly and safely as possible amidst these challenging conditions.

Later today, meteorologists predict more scattered storms, but these are expected to be less severe than previous weather events.

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has placed nearly all of Georgia under a marginal risk for severe weather, categorized as Level 1 out of 5.

Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan describes these storms as isolated and slow-moving, which can result in erratic radar patterns.

The primary concerns with these storms include damaging winds and a possibility of hail ranging from dime to quarter size.

Despite a slight decrease in temperatures—highs are projected in the low 90s compared to the upper 90s previously—the oppressive heat continues to be a major concern.

Although the heat index is expected to remain below the 105-degree threshold typically associated with heat advisories, a warning is still active for far northwest Georgia until 8 p.m.

Given these conditions, the Weather Service emphasizes the importance of taking heat precautions.

This includes staying hydrated and limiting time spent outdoors or ensuring regular breaks if outdoor activities cannot be avoided.

Furthermore, residents should be aware that air quality in Atlanta may reach Code Orange levels, which implies it is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Children and individuals with respiratory conditions are particularly at risk due to elevated ground-level pollutants like ozone.

Ozone is formed when sunlight reacts with emissions from vehicles and industrial sources, making the summer months especially prone to smog alerts.

Inhalation of ozone can irritate the airways and cause respiratory discomfort, comparable to a sunburn on the lining of the lungs.

Despite the recent rainfall, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources warns that there is a persistent stagnation in atmospheric conditions.

This stagnation has allowed pollutants to accumulate, intensifying air quality concerns across the region.

As the summer heat continues to impact Atlanta, residents are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize their health and safety.

For those seeking a detailed weather forecast, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page offers updated information.

For traffic updates, locals can tune in to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB, and follow @WSBTraffic on social media platforms.

image source from:ajc

Abigail Harper