Thursday is the first day of school for most metro Atlanta districts, and a heat advisory is in place.
It will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., meaning it will be dangerously hot this afternoon for recess, the ride home or any after-school activities.
Heat advisories take effect when heat index values — an accurate measure of how hot it really feels taking both air temperature and relative humidity into account — top 105 degrees.
With all of the rain we’ve had the past several days, humidity is extremely high. While air temperature is expected to peak at 94 degrees in the city, heat index values could reach up to 110 degrees today, according to the National Weather Service. In high humidity, the body can’t cool itself efficiently because perspiration doesn’t easily evaporate.
A Heat Advisory is in effect for much of north and central Georgia on Thursday. Dangerous heat index values over 105 degrees are expected through Thursday afternoon. Head over to https://t.co/a963TvIS84 to learn more about staying safe in the heat! #gawx pic.twitter.com/TlmIfePDy5
— NWS Atlanta (@NWSAtlanta) August 1, 2024
That is dangerous because heatstroke sets in when your body temperature exceeds 103 degrees, which can cause damage to the brain, kidneys, muscles, and even death.