Summer heat rises in Atlanta ahead of World Cup, July 4th events
If it didn’t already feel like summer, it definitely will this week as June ends, July begins and summer festivities draw people outside.
As the “feels-like” temperatures climb with the Georgia heat and humidity, some areas are under a heat advisory and will likely face “extreme” heat risk levels later in the week, according to the National Weather Service.
On Monday, a heat advisory will be in place across central Georgia and parts of North Georgia during the worst heat of the day from noon to 8 p.m., according to the NWS bulletin issued Sunday.
In Atlanta, the high is expected to be 96 degrees, which will feel closer to 103 degrees, the NWS predicts. Other parts of the state, including Athens, Macon and Columbus, will feel more like 105 and even 107.
When July begins Wednesday, the heat will likely only get worse as people head outdoors to partake in FIFA World Cup activities and Fourth of July events.
The heat and humidity did little to turn away FIFA Fan Festival attendees Saturday as Centennial Olympic Park hit maximum capacity and temporarily closed.
The FIFA World Cup continues at noon Wednesday with a match at Atlanta Stadium, the tournament name for Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Those attending any outdoor activities will likely face Level 4 “extreme” heat risk, which indicates a “rare” or “long-duration extreme heat” with little to no relief overnight, according to the NWS.
“Be sure to take heat precautions this week if outdoors!” the NWS warns.
And Fourth of July festivities will ramp up through the heat at the end of the week, including the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, through which the “extreme” heat risk is likely to extend, according to the forecast.
The Level 4 heat risk indicated a “multi-day excessive heat event” that can be dangerous for anyone ill-prepared. Finding shade, staying well-hydrated and protecting more vulnerable populations, like children and the elderly, from the hottest part of the day are the best ways to avoid negative impacts of heat, experts say.