High heat could set a record in Atlanta. What to know about weather

Warm temperatures are here to stay in Georgia, and a potentially record-setting week is heating up in the state capital.

Georgia had a period of unseasonal cold earlier in the year, but that trend has shifted to high temperatures appearing earlier in the spring compared previous seasons. The heat also comes as the state faces significant drought, and it seems like there won't be a reprieve this week.

Here's what to expect.

Atlanta's 10-day forecast

Temperatures are heating up toward the end of the week, with still relatively mild nights. Here's the 10-day forecast according to The Weather Channel.

• Monday, high of 84, low of 58
• Tuesday, high of 88, low of 60
• Wednesday, high of 89, low of 62
• Thursday, high of 87, low of 64
• Friday, high of 91, low of 64
• Saturday, high of 90, low of 64
• Sunday high of 72, low of 48
• Monday high of 76, low of 48
• Tuesday, high of 78, low of 55
• Wednesday, high of 83, low of 57

Could Friday temperature set a record?

Friday is expected to see temperatures in the low 90s, according to weather forecasts, which has a chance to be record-setting.

According to Extreme Weather Watch, the highest temperature ever recorded in Atlanta in April was 93 degrees on April 27, 1986. The second highest temperature was recorded just a day before, April 26, at 92 degrees.

Temperatures last reached 91 degrees on April 23, 1980, meaning if Atlanta hits 91 degrees on Friday, it will be tied for the third hottest April day on record.

If temperatures swing even warmer, it could be one of the hottest April days ever in the city.

Red Flag Warning issued in North Georgia

In the northern part of the state, a red flag warning has been issued by the National Weather Service. This means that there is high fire risk because of the lack of rain and high temperatures.

Dry air combined with "gusty south winds" means fires could spread very quickly across the northern forests of Georgia, and officials ask residents to avoid burning anything outside.

North and central Georgia is also under a Fire Danger Statement, which includes Atlanta, Macon, Columbus and southeast to Savannah and Waycross.

Check out USA TODAY's drought tracker to see precipitation trends in your county.

Irene Wright tracks weather in north and central Georgia as the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at [email protected].