Damaging Wind Gusts Threaten Columbia, Augusta and Savannah Sunday as Sagging Front Fuels Southeast Thunderstorm Clusters

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Storms could produce damaging wind gusts across the Southeast on Sunday, September 6, with Max Velocity Weather outlining a Slight Risk, level 2 of 5, centered on Columbia, Augusta-Richmond County, and Savannah, as a weak surface low and a southward-sagging front track across Georgia and South Carolina throughout the day.

Climate change puts 10 Georgia foods at risk | Exclusive

Climate change is affecting a wide range of crops and food products in Georgia and South Carolina through warmer winters, fewer chill hours, earlier blooming seasons, stronger storms and shifting rainfall patterns. Here are 10 foods most vulnerable to climate change in Georgia, according to sources including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the University of Georgia, the Georgia Climate Project and the Environmental Defense Fund. More: Climate change threatens peach crops in the Southeast | Exclusive Peaches Peach trees require a certain number of winter chill hours to develop properly, according to the University of Georgia. Warmer winters can reduce chill accumulation, leading to irregular blooming and lower yields. Earlier blooming also increases the risk that a late spring freeze could damage blossoms and developing fruit. Blueberries Blueberries often bloom earlier during unusually warm winters, making them more vulnerable to late frosts, according to UGA. Researchers say frost events have already caused significant losses for Georgia blueberry growers. Pecans Pecan producers face increasing challenges from heat stress, drought and extreme weather, according to UGA researchers. Hurricanes can damage orchards, while changing weather patterns may affect tree health and nut development. Scientists are working to develop more resilient varieties. Peanuts Peanuts

FIRST ALERT FORECAST - Seasonal forecast making a return to the CSRA.

AUGUSTA, GA (CSRA) — Today & Wednesday: Less Humidity. The highlight of this week’s forecast is a drop in humidity arriving Tuesday and lasting through Wednesday. A high-pressure system sliding in from the north will shift our wind patterns, cutting off our moist, tropical flow from the Gulf and replacing it with dry, continental air. Even though daytime highs will remain near average—ranging from the upper 80s to around 90 degrees—the air will feel drastically different.

Storm chances decrease, heat increases

Saturday night update: For the rest of this weekend, we are stuck in our typical late-summer routine. There is still a lot of moisture hanging around the atmosphere, meaning we could see a few more isolated, pop-up thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon. The good news? The threat of severe weather like...

Stormy end to August, steamy start to September

Thursday evening update: Spotty storms will continue this evening before tapering off overnight. Unfortunately, this also means it will be mostly cloudy for tonight’s partial lunar eclipse. If you happen to stay up late and we get a lucky break in the clouds, you might catch the moon looking a bit darker and slightly reddish as it slides through Earth’s shadow, but viewing conditions are definitely less than ideal.

Rising temperatures pose risks for seniors.

As temperatures rise across the CSRA, doctors warn that senior citizens face an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. Medical professionals emphasize that recognizing specific warning signs is important for preventing life-threatening complications during the summer months.

First Alert Forecast | Few storms Tuesday-Wednesday, Flood risk Thursday - Friday

AUGUSTA, GA (CSRA) — A few isolated storms possible in the CSRA Monday afternoon, but sunshine filled days with mild, pleasant nights will be the weather theme through Tuesday. Slightly higher storm chances return Wednesday afternoon. Storms look most likely this week on Thursday and Friday. Tonight | Mostly...

Split weekend ahead: Few storms Saturday, sunny Sunday

Friday night update: Most of the thunderstorm activity will continue shifting east tonight, leaving much of the CSRA dry. However, Friday’s storms left behind a very moist, rain-cooled atmosphere. That could allow low clouds and some patchy fog to develop overnight into early Saturday morning, particularly in locations that picked up heavier rainfall. Any low clouds or fog should gradually fade away during the morning, with skies becoming brighter by late morning or early afternoon.

Storms could cause Richmond County school bus delays Friday afternoon

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Richmond County School System is monitoring a threat of severe weather Friday afternoon, warning families that some school bus routes could be delayed. School system officials said the RCSS Emergency Management Team remains in regular contact with local emergency management and the National Weather Service as...

Augusta Opens Cooling Centers Amid Extreme Heat Warning

Augusta-Richmond County has opened 11 cooling centers as scorching temperatures bake the region this week. On Tuesday, the Augusta Emergency Management Agency told residents to guard against the heat. People can visit centers at various times. The Bernie Ward Community Center runs Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8...

Hot & Stormy Friday Forecast

Augusta cooling centers stay open as dangerous heat grips area

Sky-high temperatures are forecast this week in Augusta, and cooling centers remain open, offering relief from the dangerous heat. The Augusta Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to take precautions as extreme heat continues across the area. More: Highs near 100 keep Augusta under extended heat advisory Residents seeking relief from the heat can visit cooling centers throughout Augusta-Richmond County. For more information, visit: www.augustaga.gov/3387/Shelter-Evacuation-Information . Cooling center locations in Augusta Bernie Ward Community Center : 1941 Lumpkin Road, Augusta. Phone: 706-790-0588. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Blythe Center : 3129 Highway 88, Blythe. Phone: 706-592-4988. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Carrie J. Mays Center : 1014 11th Ave., Augusta. Phone: 706-821-2828. Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Eastview Community Center : 644 Aiken St., Augusta. Phone: 706-821-1775. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Robert Howard Community Center : 103 Diamond Lakes Way, Hephzibah. Phone: 706-826-1370. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Henry H. Brigham Center : 2463 Golden Camp Road, Augusta. Phone: 706-771-2654. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4 p.m. May Park : 622 Fourth St., Augusta. Phone: 706-724-0504. Hours: