Issued: 8am on Thursday, September 3rd 2026
Technical Forecast Discussion
Key Messages:
- Hot and humid weather continue throughout the remainder of the work week.
- Chances for rain begin Thursday night into this weekend as a cold front sags from the north, bringing cooler conditions this weekend.
Key Message 1…
An upper-level ridge and surface high pressure continue to dominate the region allowing for the heat wave to continue into the end of the week. Due to this, the Heat Advisory has been extended and will now expire at 8 pm on Saturday. Heat indices are expected to range from 99 to 102 degrees Thursday and Friday before a cold front begins to enter the area.
Key Message 2…
A sagging cold front from the north will bring isolated chances for showers and thunderstorms Thursday night into Saturday night. The Storm Prediction Center has Athens in a Slight Risk (level 2 out of 4) for severe weather and a Marginal Risk (level 1 out of 4) for excessive rainfall on Thursday as some storms may have locally damaging wind gusts and a potential hail risk. Some storms may also have heavier rainfall due to how saturated the air is, causing the risk for local flash flooding. The severe threat continues into Friday, though, not as probable as the area is only in a Marginal Risk (level 1 out of 5) for severe weather. Drier and cooler conditions are expected to return by Sunday as high pressure will build once again.
