Downpours expected Thursday afternoon; what to expect this weekend

ATLANTA - Thunderstorms are expected to continue sweeping across much of Georgia this week, bringing the potential for damaging winds and high heat index values that could approach 105 degrees in some areas, forecasters said.

At 1:30 p.m. Thursday, a ground stop due to thunderstorms was issued at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The ground stop is currently in effect until 2:45 p.m. 231 delays and 8 cancellations have been reported so far today for the world's busiest airport. 

A check of the radar shows scattered rain across Atlanta and North Georgia. As of 2 p.m., no weather watches or warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service. However, residents should still take precautions if they are out and about in stormy weather. 

Afternoon thunderstorm threat in Georgia

What they're saying:

"Storms will continue to fester right on through the wee hours of Thursday morning," FOX 5 Storm Team meteorologist Jonathan Stacey said, noting activity from Barrow County through Clark, Oconee, Putnam, and Jasper counties. "If this model verifies, Athens once again still getting hit hard."

Stacey emphasized that while a few storms could reach severe levels, widespread severe weather is not expected. "Damaging wind gusts are our main concern," he said, especially between noon and 9 p.m. Thursday.

While Thursday may begin with sun and dry conditions in metro Atlanta, the atmosphere is primed for afternoon and evening storms. "We may not see or feel the wrath of 90s just because the storms arrive earlier than not," Stacey said.

Heat index across Georgia

Local perspective:

The forecast calls for increasing afternoon thunderstorm chances across Georgia cities:

Atlanta forecast:

Highs will remain in the upper 80s to low 90s through Tuesday, with a 60% chance of thunderstorms Thursday afternoon. Storm chances will persist daily into next week, with overnight lows around 72 degrees.

Rome forecast:

Rome faces a 70% chance of storms Thursday, tapering to 30% by nightfall. Highs will remain in the upper 80s to low 90s, with intermittent storm chances through Tuesday.

Athens forecast:

A persistent storm threat remains for Athens, with a 60% chance Thursday and more activity possible through next week. Highs will climb into the mid-90s.

Gainesville forecast:

Afternoon thunderstorms are likely Thursday and again Friday. The area will see daily highs between 86 and 93, with storm chances continuing through Tuesday.

LaGrange forecast:

Storm chances hit 60% Thursday afternoon and again Friday. Temperatures will hover near 88–93 degrees through early next week.

Eatonton forecast:

Eatonton will see a heat index near 98 Thursday, with storms likely in the late afternoon. Daily highs near 95 are expected by Sunday and Monday, with a continued risk of afternoon storms.

Blairsville forecast:

Blairsville faces the highest storm threat Thursday, with an 80% chance and continued activity through the weekend. Highs will stay in the low to mid-80s, offering some relief from the heat seen elsewhere.

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Beating the Atlanta heat

Why you should care:

Heat index values are expected to reach 100–105 degrees in central and eastern Georgia through Saturday, with the potential for Heat Advisories to be issued. The National Weather Service urges residents to take precautions during peak afternoon hours, including staying hydrated and limiting outdoor activity.

• Stay indoors during peak heat (11 a.m.–4 p.m.) if possible
• Wear light, breathable clothing
• Stay hydrated and avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages
• Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles
• Keep an eye on weather alerts for storm activity each afternoon

Cooling centers to open

What you can do:

Atlanta: The City of Atlanta will be opening a cooling center as temperatures begin to rise across the city.  The cooling center will be located at Selena S. Butler Park, located at 98 William Holmes Borders Senior Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30312. Bottled water will be provided in the cooling center.

Weather tomorrow

What's next:

Heat index values between 97 and 105 degrees are forecast for central and eastern Georgia through Monday. Officials urge residents to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours to prevent heat-related illness.

Forecasters advise keeping an eye on local weather alerts as conditions evolve. Storms may develop quickly and shift direction, especially in the evening and overnight hours.

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