SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Tuesday afternoon and into the evening was hot and stormy.

Highs today reached the upper 90s for most locations but a few towns made it to 100°F or warmer.

Baxley topped out at 104°F. Heat index values were over 105°F for much of the day.

Showers and storms started to develop in the mid to late afternoon with high rainfall rates. Some street flooding occurred in Savannah as a result.

Temperatures were able to tumble into the upper 70s to lower 80s in the early evening due to the rain. 

A LOOK AHEAD

The weather forecast for the remainder of the week predicts higher than usual temperatures and occasional storms. Expect afternoon temperatures to reach the mid to upper 90s on Wednesday through Friday.

Heat index values will be over 105°F at times. Heat advisors have already been issued for Wednesday afternoon due to heat index values 108°-112°F.

Rain and storm chances will not be quite as widespread during the later part of the week when compared to Tuesday afternoon and evening. 

HEAT SAFETY

To stay safe, make sure to keep cool and hydrated, and find time for breaks in a cool environment. It’s advisable to restrict outdoor activities to early morning or evening hours to avoid the hottest part of the day.

As the heat index climbs, your body’s ability to cool down diminishes because it relies on sweat evaporation, which becomes less effective in very humid conditions.

THE WEEKEND

A cold front is anticipated to arrive in the southeast by the weekend, bringing cooler and more unstable weather on Saturday and Sunday.

The cold font will more or less stall out over the southeast which will direct deeper Gulf moisture into the region.

Expect periods of heavy rain, which could lead to localized flooding concerns. Rainfall could accumulate from 1-3 inches in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry regions.

Temperatures are expected to be much cooler Saturday and into next week thanks to the cold front and extra rain chances.

Daily high temperatures will range from the upper 80s to lower 90s. Given that normal temperatures for early August are in the lower 90s, this will offer a welcome break from the intense heat we’ve recently faced.

TRACKING THE TROPICS

All is quiet across the Atlantic basin with no development expected over the next five-seven days as of Monday evening.

Water temperatures in the main development regions are running close to normal if not slightly below normal, especially in the Caribbean Sea.