Temperatures may hit triple digits across parts of North Georgia today, as the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for northern and central parts of the state.

In Gainesville, forecasters are calling for high temperatures around 97 degrees today and tomorrow, with a heat index both days around 102. The heat index is a measure that combine the actual air temperature with the relative humidity to determine how hot it feels.

Don't expect much relief from the heat today. There is only a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms each day.

Temperatures will drop to near 90 degrees on Thursday and last through at least Monday.

The state Environmental Protection Division says the air quality index for metro Atlanta on Tuesday is 108, an orange alert with the air considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. The air quality advisory includes Hall County.

A heat advisory means that a period of dangerous heat is expected.

People are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms and out of direct sunshine.

The elderly, the very young and people with heart conditions are the most at risk, according to the weather service, which suggests that neighbors check on people who may be at risk.
The heat advisory remains in effect from 11 a.m. today through 5 a.m. Wednesday south of a line from Rome to Gainesville, forecasters said.

Heat advisories and excessive-heat warnings were issued Monday for 17 states in the Midwest and South. For Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued heat advisories for much of the East Coast, from Georgia to Connecticut, where temperatures are expected in the upper 90s but will feel as hot as 105 because of the humidity.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.