Scattered thunderstorms and dangerously high temperatures are expected across Georgia today, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, with the I-85 corridor particularly vulnerable to localized flooding from heavy afternoon rainfall. The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook covering North and Central Georgia, with storm activity and elevated heat index levels forecast to persist through the weekend.
What to expect across Georgia today
For today and tonight, the weather pattern over Georgia remains volatile, especially along the I-85 corridor, where scattered to widespread thunderstorms will develop during the afternoon hours. These storms may produce frequent lightning, strong wind gusts, and, most critically, locally heavy rainfall capable of causing ponding on roadways and urban flooding, particularly in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
The heat index—which measures how hot it feels when humidity is factored into the air temperature—is forecast to climb between 100°F and 105°F (38°C to 41°C) across central Georgia, with some locations possibly exceeding those values. This kind of extreme heat may significantly affect outdoor activities and infrastructure, especially in urban zones where heat retention is higher.
Extended forecast: More storms and relentless heat
From Wednesday through Sunday, scattered to widespread thunderstorm activity is expected each afternoon across North and Central Georgia. Although the risk of severe storms remains low, the cumulative rainfall could cause localized flooding in vulnerable regions, particularly where soils are saturated or stormwater systems are under strain.
Heat index values will persist in the 100°F to 105°F (38°C to 41°C) range through the week, especially across middle Georgia, sustaining the risk of heat-related stress and amplifying the impact of afternoon thunderstorms.
Counties included in the weather alert
The Hazardous Weather Outlook is in effect for a wide section of Georgia, including the counties of Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, Clarke, Hall, Bartow, Cherokee, Fayette, Henry, Houston, Bibb, Coweta, Carroll, Douglas, Rockdale, Newton, Spalding, Troup, Walker, Whitfield, Pickens, Paulding, Lumpkin, Union, White, Gilmer, and Murray, along with many others throughout the north and central parts of the state.
Understanding “scattered” versus “isolated” storms
The terms “isolated” and “scattered” are commonly used in National Weather Service forecasts to describe the expected coverage of thunderstorms:
Isolated thunderstorms affect less than 20% of a given forecast area. These are sporadic, with significant space between each storm cell. While limited in coverage, they can still bring intense weather, including heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds.
Scattered thunderstorms cover a larger portion of the region—between 30% and 50% of the area. These storms tend to be more numerous but not necessarily connected. Gaps remain between them, meaning not every location will see rain, but the risk of storms is more widespread.
About the National Weather Service
The National Weather Service (NWS), a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is responsible for forecasting weather, issuing warnings, and delivering climate data across the United States, its territories, and coastal waters. Its mission is to safeguard lives and property and help the nation prepare for weather-related events through impact-based decision support and public education—a vision toward building a Weather-Ready Nation.
