Storms Possible Amid Sizzling Temps In GA: Labor Day Forecast

The Labor Day weekend could be stormy for some areas, but the National Weather Service on Thursday told Patch the "big story will be the heat."

Patch spoke with Vaughn Smith, a meteorologist for the NWS' Peachtree City office.

He said afternoon scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast for Saturday-Monday in metro Atlanta and surrounding areas.

As of Thursday, there was a 30-40 percent chance of rain for the weekend, Smith said. Strong and severe storms are not anticipated.

The downpour will not be widespread, meaning some areas may not see rain, Smith said.

However, smoldering heat indices could climb up to 105 degrees Saturday and Sunday.

A heat advisory is currently in place until 8 p.m. Thursday for Rome, Dalton and other portions of northwest Georgia.

The sweltering heat comes before Monday, when Labor Day will be observed. Actual temperatures are expected to be in the mid-90s.

"It's going to be very warm those days, but Monday we'll get a little bit of a cooling," Smith said.

Temperatures could slightly dive into the upper 80s by Monday, he added.

"It definitely will be a welcomed cooling period from these scorching temperatures we've been having," Smith said.

Some summer holiday weekends in Georgia create the opportunity for outdoor grilling. Smith advised anyone outside to wear cool and loose clothing, stay hydrated with water and find shade.

Updates will be posted on the weather service's Twitter page, the weather service's Facebook page and its website.

Here is the National Weather Service's Thursday afternoon forecast for metro Atlanta:

This Afternoon: Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 101. East wind around 5 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 99. East wind around 5 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.

Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 94.

Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Labor Day: A slight chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m., then a slight chance of showers between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 91.