Residents of Northwest Georgia and Chattooga County are in for a significant weather shift this week, transitioning from unseasonably warm conditions to more seasonal temperatures, ushered in by several days of scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms. While the risk of widespread severe weather remains low, isolated strong storms are possible before a cold front brings drier, cooler air for the weekend.

Wednesday Kick-Off: Hot and Stormy Today, Wednesday, September 24th, marks the beginning of this changeable pattern. Temperatures are expected to remain hot, with highs around 84°F. A 50% chance of scattered thunderstorms is likely, particularly in the afternoon and evening. High humidity, around 86%, will make the heat feel even more oppressive. As night falls, the chance of showers and thunderstorms increases to 70%, primarily after midnight, with lows settling near 69°F.

Thursday: Widespread Rain and Cooling Trend Thursday, September 25th, is forecast to be the wettest day of the period. A low-pressure system moving into the area is dramatically increasing atmospheric moisture, leading to an 80% chance of widespread showers and thunderstorms throughout the day, especially impacting the afternoon and evening commute. Some of these storms could be strong, though widespread severe weather is not anticipated. Temperatures will begin to cool, with highs dropping to a more tolerable 78°F. Humidity will peak at a very high 94%, making for a muggy day. Overnight, a 40% chance of showers persists, with lows around 66°F.

Friday: Drying Out as a Cold Front Approaches By Friday, September 26th, conditions will begin to improve. While there’s still a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon, the region will start to dry out as a cold front moves closer. Skies will be partly cloudy, and highs will remain similar to Thursday at around 78°F. The passage of the cold front late Friday is key, paving the way for significantly drier and cooler air over the weekend. Evening temperatures will become noticeably cooler, with lows around 63°F.

The Weekend: A Refreshing Change Northwest Georgia can look forward to a refreshing change for the weekend. Saturday, September 27th, continues the trend of dry weather, offering mostly partly cloudy skies. There’s still a slight chance (30-40%) of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, but overall conditions will be much milder. Highs are expected to reach around 80°F, with comfortable lows near 63°F. This drier, cooler air mass will make for a pleasant end to the week.

Sunday, September 28th, is expected to continue this trend, with a 30% to 40% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, but overall maintaining the more seasonal feel.

Key Considerations: While multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected, particularly on Thursday and Friday, the risk of widespread flash flooding is considered low due to previously dry conditions. However, isolated flash flooding cannot be ruled out in some localized areas. Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.