Severe weather lessens, heat remains

Georgia’s MACON (WMGT/41NBC) Parts of North and Middle Georgia had significant severe weather. Coverage of storms has been concentrated. According to models, by two in the morning, a sizable line or cluster of storms is expected to form over South Carolina and move southwest into Eastern Georgia. Extremely powerful downburst winds are feasible in this setting. Large hail and winds between 60 and 80 mph are possible. Given that the storm motions are slow and coming from the east or northeast, this is an unusual occurrence. Therefore, it is impossible to rule out the possibility of isolated flash floods. In Middle Georgia, another hot and muggy day is to be expected. On Thursday, the heat index will peak at about 100 degrees in most places, with temperatures a few degrees lower. Though the skies will remain generally clear as the day goes on, hot and muggy weather is to be expected, along with another round of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. As the upper level low over Florida approaches and the ridge’s impact diminishes, storm coverage will be greater than it was yesterday. Although there is less of a serious threat, there will still be enough instability to sustain destructive wind gusts. The entire region is presently under a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe storms, according to the Storm Prediction Center.