Partly cloudy, 80s today; Heat returns this weekend

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Today will be another nice day with partly cloudy skies and highs in the 80s.

Today: Your best day this week

Today is shaping up to be one of the nicer days ahead. Expect partly cloudy skies with highs in the mid 80s and low humidity — perfect for getting outside without feeling like you’re walking through soup.

But there’s one catch: Metro Atlanta is under a Code Orange Air Quality Alert. If you have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues, limit outdoor activities, especially for kids and older adults. Everyone else should be fine, but those with sensitive lungs should take it easy.

Saturday: Turn up the heat

Saturday flips the script. It’s going to be hot and humid with highs near 90. This is the kind of day where you’ll feel the heat the moment you step outside.

What to do: Drink plenty of water throughout the day — and we mean plenty. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Keep an eye on kids and pets, and try to stay in air conditioning during the hottest part of the afternoon.

Sunday: Isolated storms

Storm chances return Sunday, but don’t panic. We’re only looking at isolated storms from metro Atlanta westward with a 20% coverage. Most of North Georgia will stay dry, but if you’re in the western part of the region, keep an eye on the sky Sunday afternoon.

Next week: afternoon storm pattern

Daily storm chances will return next week with low coverage peaking each afternoon. This is typical summer weather for North Georgia — hot, humid, and a chance for pop-up storms to cool things down.

Stay with First Alert Weather for updates as conditions change.