Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can expect above-average to near-record high temperatures today and Friday before rain and possible strong storms move into the area this weekend.

Thursday and Friday will feel more like early spring, with afternoon highs potentially reaching record levels across North Georgia. Southwest winds will increase both days, with gusts between 20 and 25 mph possible during the afternoon hours. Patchy drizzle and areas of reduced visibility were reported early Thursday, but no significant rainfall accumulation is expected.

Rain chances will gradually increase late tonight into Friday as a dry-line system approaches from the west. Showers and a few rumbles of thunder are possible Friday morning into the afternoon. While widespread severe weather is not currently expected on Friday, forecasters say wind shear values remain strong enough to monitor any developing thunderstorms.

Saturday will be the main weather focus for the region. A stalled front is expected to set up across central Georgia, influencing weather across Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County. Increased instability and strong wind shear could support a few stronger storms Saturday afternoon and evening. The primary threats would be gusty winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rainfall. Current rainfall totals from Friday through early Sunday are forecast around 1 to 1.25 inches, though locally higher amounts are possible.

There remains a low severe weather threat Saturday, and residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware as updated forecasts become available.

Conditions will turn sharply cooler late Sunday as high pressure moves into the region, bringing dry air and much colder temperatures into early next week. Overnight lows could drop into the mid-20s to low-30s, with daytime highs only reaching the 40s and 50s — roughly 15 to 20 degrees below normal for this time of year. A brief chance of flurries cannot be ruled out in the higher elevations of North Georgia early Sunday morning if enough moisture lingers.

Another system bringing rain is possible toward the end of next week.