Macon hit a record high temp for June 15: 103 degrees. Could it happen again next week?

Wednesday was the hottest June 15 on record in Macon, with temps reaching a high of 103 degrees. According to experts, there could be more record temperatures next week.

“By midweek next week, we’re looking at temperatures at a high of 104,” said Laura Belanger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Peachtree City. “For some context on how hot that is relative to the records in the area, the record temperature for June 22 is 101, and that was back in 1925.”

There should be lower temperatures between this week’s all-time highs and next week’s, according to Belanger.

“We do see a little bit of relief soon, by Sunday we’re looking at a high of only 92. Then by Monday we’re even looking at lows in the 60s,” she said.

Belanger said the boiling heat is a result of an amplified high pressure weather system passing through Macon and that while the humidity and rains early in the week helped keep it at bay, the lack of moisture has raised the temperature later in the week.

“It’ll really help us recover if we get some rain, some showers can really help,” Belanger said. “As we get into later weekends next week it will be dry, which may make us look at temperatures that are even higher than what we’re seeing now.”

The same high pressure system is affecting most of the Southeast and causing extreme temperatures. Belanger emphasized the importance of staying safe in the chart-topping heat as well.

“Younger kids and elderly are always of high concern, as well as if you have a job that’s outside,” Belanger said. “It’s also surprising how quickly you can get dehydrated, especially in activities that cool you off, like swimming. You have to make sure you’re getting enough water at all times.”

These safety concerns also mean following Georgia’s burn ban, which is active in the summer from May 1 to Sept. 30, according to Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division. The ban prohibits residents and businesses from burning debris to prevent dangerous air quality issues.