Drivers across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should be prepared for a tricky start to the day, as patchy dense fog is expected through about 10 a.m. Wednesday, especially in low-lying areas and valleys. Visibility may drop quickly from one stretch of road to the next, so slow down, use low beams, and leave extra following distance during the morning commute.

Once the fog lifts, the bigger weather headline shifts to the wind. Gusty west winds will ramp up this afternoon as a cold front approaches, with peak gusts expected in the 20 to 35 mph range. A few higher gusts can’t be ruled out in more exposed spots, which could make driving tougher for high-profile vehicles and may bring down a few small limbs or blow around loose outdoor items.

The good news is rain won’t be much of a factor. Forecasters say significant rainfall is not anticipated across the region through at least the middle of next week, keeping conditions mostly dry overall. Temperatures will be milder today, then cooler air moves in tonight, bringing lower highs on Thursday.

Looking ahead, there’s growing uncertainty late in the weekend into early next week. A front may bring only limited rain chances, but there is potential for a sharper drop in temperatures behind it. How cold it gets in Northwest Georgia will depend on the track and strength of an Arctic high pressure system, which will be watched closely over the next few days.