Metro Atlanta could feel its hottest day in almost 3 years today

ATLANTA — Summer is officially and metro Atlanta could see its hottest weather in almost three years.

Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Brian Monahan says record high temperatures are in the forecast for Wednesday.

A code orange air quality alert is also in effect. The quality alert is especially important for anyone who has asthma, allergies, breathing issues or other respiratory issues.

“When the heat gets like this and the humidity gets like this, the air isn’t moving very much,” Monahan said. “You really don’t want to be outside.”

Monahan says it can be like being trapped under a lid.

“Things like exhaust from cars, that can’t escape more freely into the atmosphere,” Monahan said. “Concentrates it more to the ground and that is what ultimately can create the breathing issues that make things difficult for people that have health issues.”

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Channel 2′s Justin Carter visited Westside Park on Tuesday afternoon where visitors tried to beat the heat.

Neko Wilson found a spot in the shade with her partner and their 3-year-old son.

“I got us a little fan and everything. Squirt some water on me,” Wilson told Carter.

Matthew Giordano said he’s listening to his body. He has a heart issue, so he knows he may have to keep his afternoon cardio short over the next few days.

“When it’s super humid, I definitely have to be careful like last week,” Giordano said. “Just drink a lot of water. Stay hydrated. That’s the best we can do.”

Monahan agrees: Listen to your body.

“It’s simple as get some water. Get inside. Take a break. Your body is giving you a warning that ‘Hey...I need to slow down.’”

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Record heat possible Wednesday, air quality alert issued Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Brian Monahan has your Wednesday forecast.

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