Strong wind gusts possible with overnight storms
Georgia’s MACON (WMGT/41NBC) Overnight tonight, a group of storms from South Carolina may deliver some destructive winds to areas of Middle Georgia.
This Evening and Overnight
It s been the hottest afternoon of the year so far across Middle Georgia with almost every location reaching the 105 degree heat index threshold of the current Heat Advisory (in effect until 8:00 PM EDT). Some spots climbed over 110 with Dublin reaching as high as 115. Luckily storms will largely hold off until tonight for anyone looking to beat the heat by taking a dip in the water.
As for the storms, a Level 3 Enhanced risk for severe weather was introduced today by the SPC that includes the northeastern quarter of the region. The rest of Middle Georgia falls into a Level 2 Slight risk. Around midnight on Thursday morning, a line of storms is predicted to move into the area from the northeast and continue southwest into Thursday morning. The main hazard with these storms will be wind gusts of 60-80 mph, however some hail cannot be ruled out. With no storms predicted for tonight, there is no risk of tornadoes.
The night will be mainly cloudy but cooler than last night, excluding the anticipated rain activity. Expect lows largely in the lower 70s with a slim possibility for a couple of upper 60s. Although the wind will be mild and variable, storm outflow borders may cause some powerful gusts.
Tomorrow
Thursday will be a bit cooler than Wednesday however highs will still reach the mid to upper 90s. Heat indexes will largely reach the triple digits, however they should mostly stay below that 105 degree threshold mentioned above. There will be light and fluctuating wind.
Isolated storms are likely over the back half of the afternoon and the evening. As of now a Level 1 Marginal threat for severe storms includes all of Middle Georgia for tomorrow. This is for the occasional strong gust that the most mature storms could bring.
Overnight will feature scattered clouds and lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s. There will be light and fluctuating wind.
Friday and Beyond
Isolated storms in the afternoon and evening will become the norm again to finish the week and head into the weekend. High temperatures will be near or just above average with near average lows in the mornings. Expect skies to be partly cloudy a well.
Follow Chief Meteorologist Aaron Lowery on Facebook (Aaron Lowery 41NBC) and Twitter (@ALowWX) for weather updates throughout the day. Also, you can watch his forecasts Monday through Friday on 41NBC News at 4, 5, 5:30, 6, and 11 p.m.
