Southern sauna: Extreme heat, muggy days to start summer in Atlanta

“We are set up for what should be a really nice weekend — a hot weekend, but a dry weekend across North Georgia as summer officially begins,” Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said.

The drier air “will finally bring an end to the persistent afternoon (storms),” NWS meteorologists advised. But forecasters cautioned against celebrating completely clear skies too soon, saying rain could return: “It`s still June, folks.”

The solstice also marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, giving us the year’s maximum hours of daylight. The sun will set in Atlanta at 8:52 p.m. Friday, more than 14 hours after the 6:27 a.m. sunrise.

All that sunshine will be a perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy the first weekend of summer, and many businesses are already preparing for crowds looking for ways to beat the heat.

Marielle Doyle, who works at Unbelibubble, a boba tea shop in Midtown’s Colony Square, said sunny days are among the busiest as people trickle in from the courtyard outside the Politan Row food hall.

“People get their refreshing drinks, and it makes them happy,” she said.

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Jake Carter, who owns Southern Belle Farm in McDonough, said a scorching summer means visitors will get to pick delicious fruit. This year, Georgia farmers have an especially good crop of peaches, he said.

“That summer heat and summer sunshine — it brings on a lot of sweetness to the peaches as they begin to mature and ripen,” Carter said.

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Since the heat index — a measure of how hot it really feels, taking both air temperature and relative humidity into account — is projected to top 100 degrees over the next few days, those spending time outside should be careful to stay hydrated and not overheat.

If the heat index reaches 105 degrees, the Weather Service would issue a heat advisory, meaning there is an elevated risk for heat-related health impacts.

Though Georgians are used to stuffy hot days, this summer may be muggier than usual. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a hotter and wetter than normal season in much of the South.

We are already getting a taste of that as the season begins with an expected long stretch of 90-degree days. The average high for this time of year is 88, and we typically see 47 days with highs in the 90s each year.

A hot and soggy summer projection gives us clues about what else could be in store this season. Rain can help keep smog alerts at bay, as Atlanta’s air quality takes a hit on hot, dry days when pollutants get “cooked” by the sun.

And higher temperatures produce “wetter” hurricanes, which can lead to devastating floods. Last year, Helene dropped record-breaking rainfall in Atlanta. This year, NOAA projects the hurricane season — June 1 through Nov. 30 — will produce six to 10 hurricanes, and three to five of them could intensify to major hurricanes with wind speeds greater than 111 mph.

The average season brings three major hurricanes, classified as Category 3 or above.

Staff writer Chaya Tong contributed to this article.

Atlanta summers by the numbers

Date the city usually sees its first 90-degree day: May 29.

Typical number of days with temps in the 90s each year: 47.

Average number of Code Orange days signifying potentially unhealthy air quality each year: 5-6.

Average summer rainfall: 17½ inches.

Hours of daylight on the Friday, the longest day of the year: 14½.

Source: National Weather Service and the American Lung Association.

» For a detailed forecast, visit www.ajc.com/weather.