Extreme heat and humidity have brought stifling conditions to Georgia this summer, impacting many routines, but experts say temperatures are expected to cool soon.
The National Weather Service issued extreme heat warnings and heat advisories for Oglethorpe and surrounding counties earlier this week, estimating peak heat indices in the 103- to 112-degree range.
“It has been very hot and, probably more importantly, quite humid,” said Pam Knox, agriculture climatologist for the University of Georgia and the Cooperative Extension. “It’s the combination of the heat and humidity that really makes it hard for people to adjust.”
Knox said people who work outside are particularly at risk.
“It’s really important when you have conditions like what we’re experiencing this week, especially the beginning of the week, to be aware of when your body is under heat stress and try to get rid of that before it becomes something worse.”
Andrew Majsztrik, landscape architect and owner of Andrew’s Farm & Nursery, and Vision Landscaping and Associates, said the extreme heat is taking its toll on his employees.
“I’ve got a wide range of people that work for me and I haven’t cut their hours, but they have cut their hours because it's just too hot to work the long day that they normally do,” Majsztrik said. “Going home at sometimes 10, 11 a.m., coming in at five in the morning just to try to beat the heat.”
The plants, he said, are also having a hard time. Majsztrik has over 400 species of shrubs, trees and perennials at his nursery, and said he's constantly irrigating them to try and keep them alive in this weather.
Knox recommends drinking plenty of water, taking breaks in the shade or in air conditioning, and avoiding working during the hottest hours of the day. Majsztrik said his workers are taking precautions, like encouraging proper hydration and rest, to make sure everyone stays safe.
In agricultural areas like Oglethorpe County, experts are advising farmers to take precautions to protect livestock as well.
Cows are some of the most susceptible animals to heat-related illness, Knox said, and Oglethorpe County extension coordinator Shanna Reynolds advises farmers to make sure they keep an eye on their herds.
“I always try to remind people that the heat affects livestock as well, just as it does humans,” she said. “Take measures to make sure they are protected, making sure they have shade, airflow, plenty of fresh water and not to haul livestock in the hottest part of the day.”
Thankfully, relief is on the horizon.
Knox said next week will bring cooler-than-average temperatures. The NWS forecasts an average high in the 80s with a chance of showers and thunderstorms most days.
The biggest weather unknown, however, is what kind of tropical impact the region will see going into the late summer and fall.
“Last year was very unusual for Georgia, having two storms that basically went the same place, first Tropical Storm Debby in early August, and then Hurricane Helene later at the end of September. It’s really unusual for that to happen,” Knox said. “I don't think it's likely it will this year, although you certainly can't discount the possibility.”
Though tropical storms can be a major concern for the region, Knox said some tropical activity is a good thing because it brings much-needed rain.
Looking ahead, Knox said she expects the La Nina weather pattern to cause the winter to be warmer and drier than usual, which can mean drought conditions early next summer.
“But, you know, there are a lot of things that can happen between now and then, so we’ll just have to wait and see,” she said.
Alex Perri is a master’s student in journalism at the University of Georgia. She previously worked at the Transylvania Times in Brevard, North Carolina.