ATLANTA (AP) — Forecasters say this Christmas could be the warmest ever recorded for several other Georgia cities.

The National Weather Service said the high temperature in Atlanta on Christmas Eve is expected to be 74. That would break the record for Dec. 24, which is 72 degrees set in 1984. The weather service projects a high of 74 on Christmas Day, as well, which would also break the old record of 72 degrees for Dec. 25.

In Macon, the weather service projects a high temperature of around 79 degrees on Christmas Eve, which would break the record for the date of 77 degrees set in 1964.

Forecasters say Athens and Columbus are among other cities that could see near-record highs.

Forecasters say the warm air could fuel some strong thunderstorms Wednesday and Thursday.