National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

It was a HOT summer across most of north and central Georgia and all four climate sites (Athens, Atlanta, Columbus and Macon) either tied or set new daily maximum temperature records! Numerous Heat Advisories and a few Excessive Heat Warnings were issued this summer (June 21 – September 22).

As of the end of summer, Columbus had the most number of 90 degree days (90+), with 108 days in which the maximum temperature was 90 degrees or higher. This tied for 3rd when compared to the entire year long period for previous years. Macon reported the second highest number of 90+ degree days, 104 days, which ranks 9th compared to previous years. Neither Atlanta nor Athens passed the 100 day mark for 90+ degree days. Athens reported 88 days of 90+ degrees, tying for 7th with 1926, while Atlanta saw 85 days of 90+ degrees, ranking 2nd compared to previous years.

90+ Degree Days by Year ( click images to enlarge )
Atlanta	Athens
Columbus	Macon

Given the average maximum temperature over the summer, most would agree that this summer was a scorcher. The average maximum temperature for summer 2010 ranked in the top ten for all four climate sites. Columbus recorded the warmest average maximum temperature for summertime on record with 95.1 degrees. Atlanta and Macon also ranked in the top five with 91.4 and 93.9 degrees, respectively. This placed Atlanta in 4th place and Macon in 5th compared to previous years at these locations. Athens ranked 6th this summer (tied with 1993), recording an average maximum temperature of 92.8 degrees.

Summer 2010 was filled with warm summer nights. Without temperatures cooling sufficiently after sunset, conditions can develop that lead to dangerous heat waves. Atlanta saw an average minimum temperature of 72.6 degrees this summer, the 2nd warmest on record. Columbus was scorched by an average minimum temperature of 73.8 degrees, the warmest on record! Athens and Macon recorded an average minimum temperature of 70.0 and 71.0 degrees, respectively.

Normally, the summer can bring periods of rain to north and central Georgia. Whether from normal afternoon thunderstorms or a tropical system, these rains allow our area to cool down. Due to the high pressure we had prevailing most of this summer, rain was at a premium in parts of Georgia. West Georgia was the driest with Columbus only recording 6.42 inches of rain this summer, second lowest on record and nearly half a foot below average. The average summer rainfall total for Columbus is 12.83 inches. Atlanta fared better with summer bringing 9.95 inches compared to the average of 12.58 inches. Athens was also below their average of 12.50 inches, with 10.87 inches observed this summer. Macon was the only site to be at or above their average, 12.39 inches, with 13.23 inches of rain this summer.