Atlanta begins the month of July under a heat advisory for a third straight day, with heat index values over 100 degrees expected and a sweltering holiday weekend ahead.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Peachtree City put portions of North and Central Georgia — including Fulton, Cobb, Cherokee and Douglas counties — under a heat advisory from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
It comes as Atlanta hosts another World Cup match on Wednesday with tens of thousands of fans expected to descend on downtown Atlanta. England takes on Congo at noon at Atlanta Stadium, the temporary name of Mercedes-Benz Stadium while the tournament is in town. FIFA Fan Fest will take place at Centennial Olympic Park from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Atlanta Braves also host a game at Truist Park on Wednesday night, then every day through Monday.
The hot temperatures and high humidity could cause heat illnesses. NWS advises those in the advisory area to stay hydrated, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, and to check up on relatives and neighbors. If going outside, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening, and take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
The high temperature in Atlanta on Wednesday is expected to be 95 degrees with a heat index value of 101. Thursday brings a high of 97 and a heat index of 102, with highs in the mid- to high-90s through the Fourth of July weekend.