High heat and humidity one more day; some relief is near

Georgia’s MACON (WMGT/41NBC) Today, the upper level ridge starts to deteriorate. Conditions will be uncomfortable this afternoon due to the mix of afternoon sunshine and morning lows in the mid to high 70s. When combined with humidity, high temperatures should reach their maximum between 95 and 100 degrees, resulting in heat index values between 100 and 109 degrees! This kind of heat has the potential to be dangerous for vulnerable populations, including small children, the elderly, and pets. To prevent heat-related illnesses, precautions should be taken, such as drinking plenty of water, minimizing outside activities, and using air conditioning. On Thursday, the summer heat and humidity will lessen somewhat. There should be enough of it for a few scattered thunderstorms to form in the afternoon, some of which could have powerful downburst winds. Where storms are most noticeable Thursday afternoon will likely depend on the level of activity and the presence of any residual outflow boundaries. Although there may be a marginally greater concern in Northwest Georgia, it is challenging to identify any serious risk due to the randomness of these traits.