Heat advisories are in effect today for parts of coastal and far southwest Georgia, where the combination of high temperatures and humidity could make it feel like 110 degrees.
What’s happening: The National Weather Service has issued three separate heat advisories covering Georgia counties today. The affected areas stretch from Seminole and Decatur counties in the far southwest corner of the state to coastal counties along the southeast, including Glynn, Camden, Bryan, Chatham, Liberty, and McIntosh.
What is the Heat Index?: The heat index refers to what the temperature feels like when the air temperature is combined with relative humidity. The thermometer in your car may report 90 degree temperatures, but the humidity means that to your body, it will feel like it is over 100 degrees. The heat index is sometimes called the “apparent temperature.” Often people will cite the heat index as the actual temperature. It may not be the actual temperature, but it is actually what the weather feels like.
When the advisories are active:
- Seminole and Decatur counties: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Coastal Bryan, Chatham, Liberty, McIntosh counties: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Coastal and inland Glynn and Camden counties: noon to 7 p.m.
What this means for you: Health officials warn that heat index values this high can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially for people who spend time outside. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, and nausea. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
Stay safe: The National Weather Service advises residents to drink plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned space, stay out of the sun, and check on neighbors and relatives. If you need to be active outside, do it early in the morning or in the evening. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
The path forward: All three advisories expire by 8 p.m. today. Anyone experiencing symptoms of heat illness should seek medical attention immediately.
B.T. Clark is the Publisher of The Georgia Sun and author of Principles Are Like Pants… You Ought to Have Some. Over two decades in journalism, he has served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc., earning multiple awards along the way. His work has appeared in newspapers across the state, including The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal.
- B.T. Clark
- B.T. Clark
- B.T. Clark
- B.T. Clark
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