Tuesday is the first official day of summer, and it will certainly feel like it with temperatures climbing up near 100 degrees in Atlanta this afternoon.
With the summer solstice at 5:13 a.m., Tuesday will be the longest day of the year with about 14.5 hours of daylight. According to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan, all those hours will be sunny.
“We are in summertime, and right on cue temperatures are climbing up toward 100 degrees,” he said. “The reason for that? Strong high pressure. Yes, it gives us the sunshine. Yes, it gives us dry weather. It also gives us this big bubble, this big dome of high pressure across the Southeast, and that really lets things heat up.”
Atlanta is headed for a high of 97 degrees Tuesday, which would threaten the record of 98 degrees set in 1933. Areas near Athens and Eatonton should break into the triple digits Tuesday, Monahan said.
Humidity is also up Tuesday, which Monahan said means the heat is inching toward dangerous levels. A Code Orange air quality alert has been issued for metro Atlanta, and sensitive groups are advised to limit their time outdoors during the late afternoon and early evening.
“When you think about planning outdoor activities, let’s say through about midmorning, we’re OK,” he said. “But midmorning through late afternoon, if you don’t have to be outside, it’s a good idea to stay inside where it is cool.”
Monahan said the heat will peak Wednesday, when Atlanta is expected to reach 100 degrees for the first time since August 2019. It would set a new record for June 22, soaring past the current record of 98 degrees set in 1964.
Thursday’s projected high of 99 degrees would tie the record for that date set in 1944. And Monahan said there should be very little in the way of rain relief, with a 20% chance of a scattered shower Thursday.
He expects temperatures to come down by the weekend, but only slightly. By Saturday, Monahan is calling for a high of 95 degrees.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
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