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A high school football player takes a water break during a summer practice session. Dangerous heat covers the state this week.
Credit: Grant Blankenship / GPB News
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UPDATES: Heat index could reach 110 degrees in Georgia today. Here's what you should know
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The National Weather Service of Atlanta reports dangerous heat continuing in Georgia today.
The most excessive heat and humidity of year is expected.
NWS Atlanta shared the expected heat index for Tuesday afternoon, with some parts of Middle Georgia like Dublin reaching as high as an heat index of 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Atlanta area is expected to have an heat index of 100 to 105 degrees.
NWS warns those working outside or outside in general to stay hydrated and limit their time out if they can. They also said to not leave children and pets unattended in vehicles and to check on those with air conditioning.
Georgians can expect for the temperatures to cool down ahead of the weekend, as forecasts predict a cold front to bring lower temperatures and an increase of rain showers and thunderstorms.
This is a developing story.
Animal safety
The Georgia Department of Agriculture is warning pet and livestock owners to keep their animals safe as we experience some of the hottest temperatures and heat indices of the year with temperatures feeling well over 100 in some places.
Extreme heat can be potentially life threatening to both pets and farm animals.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper says animals should be monitored for heat illness and if you suspect they’re sick you should move them to shade, give them water, and call your local veterinarian.
“I just want to continue to remind farmers and also pet owners across the state to ensure that their pets have significant amounts of hydration as well as shade," he said.
Animals with flat faces are especially susceptible to heat illnesses. Dogs are also at risk of burning their paws on hot asphalt if they are taken for a walk in the heat.
— GPB's Sarah Kallis reports
For more on how to protect your pets in the summer heat, watch the video below.
DeKalb cooling centers
DeKalb County in metro Atlanta has opened 25 daytime cooling centers through Tuesday.
The county opens centers when the temperature is expected to be 95 degrees or higher for four consecutive hours.
For information or transportation, the county advises calling 404-817-3502.
Tifton relief area
The South Georgia city of Tifton shared it's opening a Heat Wave Relief Area at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center to help with the high temperatures this week.
The center is open this week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 1, with air-conditioned spaced for residents to use.
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