Near record high temperatures are expected today and Saturday. There is a chance of isolated afternoon showers.  Sunday we will see rain and storms, followed by a cool down with low temperatures near the freezing part by the first of next week.

The current satellite shows mostly clear skies across the state, although low clouds are forming in southern and central Georgia due to a moist southerly flow. A large Bermuda ridge off the Georgia/Carolina coast will stay mostly in place, keeping the region under moist southerly winds for the next few days. This ridge is also shielding Georgia from a vigorous frontal system causing severe weather in areas from Texas to Ohio. This southerly flow is bringing in warm air, leading to highs approaching local climate records, although it’s uncertain if records will actually be broken. Morning cloud cover might delay heating, preventing some locations from reaching record highs. High temperatures today and Saturday may be in the mid-80s to near 90.

Saturday night, a long-wave trough will move toward the Mississippi River Valley, pushing the ridge eastward. This will bring a cold front into Georgia by Sunday afternoon, leading to widespread precipitation. Highs on Sunday will range from the mid-70’s. Ample instability may support thunderstorms, with a slight risk for severe weather. Rainfall totals are expected to be 1. 5 to 2. 5 inches, with some areas possibly experiencing flash flooding.

A cooler air mass will arrive on Monday as the cold front exits, with low temperatures forecast to drop into the upper 30’s in Northwest Georgia. Wednesday mornings may see near-freezing temperatures. A frost advisory may be necessary.

High temperatures from Monday to Wednesday will generally be in the 60s, and both low and high temperatures will start to moderate by Thursday and Friday.