Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are advised to prepare for a significant stretch of wet weather, as a large storm system approaching from the west combines with persistent easterly winds, dramatically increasing rain chances throughout Sunday and Monday.

The forecast for Sunday, October 26, calls for cloudy skies and increasingly damp conditions, with the highest probability of rain occurring late this afternoon and continuing overnight.

Easterly Winds Drive Up Moisture

The primary engine of today’s deteriorating weather is a vast storm system, but its severity across Northwest Georgia is being amplified by sustained easterly winds. These winds, expected to range from 10 to 15 mph with potential gusts reaching 20 mph, are efficiently pulling high levels of moisture into the region, according to data from The Weather Channel.

Humidity levels are forecast to soar, climbing from 48% this morning to an estimated 72% tonight, ensuring a saturated environment ready for widespread precipitation.

Immediate Forecast: Rain Intensifies Tonight

While the morning remained mostly cloudy, showers are expected to become likely across the region mainly after 3 p.m. today. The high temperature will struggle to reach the mid-60s, peaking near 63°F. The chance of precipitation today is 60%.

The situation grows wetter tonight:

Tonight: The chance of rain jumps to 80%, with showers expected to transition into possible thunderstorms after 2 a.m. The low temperature will hover around 50°F. Forecasters anticipate new rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch overnight.
Wind Risk: Gusts as high as 20 mph are possible tonight, accompanying the rain.

While numerous showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected this evening and overnight, forecasters emphasize that widespread, organized severe weather is not anticipated. However, a few stronger isolated storms may be capable of producing localized gusty winds.

Monday: The Heaviest Rainfall Expected

The storm system will peak on Monday, making it the wettest day of the forecast period.

Widespread showers will continue throughout the day, with embedded isolated thunderstorms possible. The chance of precipitation is extremely high at 90%. Temperatures will remain chilly, with a high near 56°F.

The heaviest rainfall is expected Monday, with new precipitation amounts potentially ranging between 1 and 2 inches. Forecasters warn that embedded strong storms could produce localized heavy downpours and gusty winds, leading to possible localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Extended Outlook

The persistent damp pattern will continue into the middle of the week, although rainfall amounts will begin to decrease slightly by Tuesday.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers remains before 2 p.m., with a high near 61°F.
Tuesday Night/Wednesday: Showers are highly likely to return Tuesday night and continue throughout Wednesday, with an 80% chance of rain and a high near 55°F.

Temperatures are expected to be cooler after the rain pushes out of the area midweek.  Thursday highs will only be in the 50’s with overnight lows in the mid to upper 30’s.