Residents of Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama can expect mostly sunny skies and mild temperatures over the next few days, but a cold front approaching from the west will bring a chance of rain and potentially elevate fire danger, according to the latest forecasts. Currently, a high-pressure system is centered over the northern Gulf, bringing calm winds and clear skies. The National Weather Service predicts this high-pressure system will continue its eastward trajectory, moving offshore the east coast of Florida by late Wednesday. Today will see sunny skies with a high near 74 degrees and light southwest winds. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 43 degrees and a light south wind.

On Wednesday, the cold front will cross the Mississippi River by the afternoon, bringing mostly sunny skies ahead of it with a high near 77 degrees. However, southerly winds will increase to 5 to 15 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 20 mph. The approaching front is expected to bring a round of rain overnight Wednesday and into Thursday morning. While instability is low due to dry air in the region, a few rumbles of thunder are possible late Wednesday. Rainfall totals are expected to be light, generally less than a quarter of an inch. Following the passage of the front on Thursday, gusty winds could lead to conditions approaching “Red Flag” criteria, especially in fire zones that receive minimal rainfall.

Elevated fire danger is expected to persist into the weekend as temperatures rise and relative humidity drops, before another weak front brings temporary relief at the end of the weekend. Specifically for Northwest Georgia, high fire danger conditions are expected this afternoon into the evening due to low relative humidities and strong winds. Relative humidity is forecast to drop to 25 percent or less for four or more hours. Southwest winds will blow at 5 to 10 MPH, with gusts as high as 15 MPH along ridgetops and peaks. Residents in these areas are urged to exercise caution and avoid activities that could spark a fire.