A cold front that brought showers and thunderstorms across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia early Thursday morning is expected to move out of the area by early afternoon, leaving gusty winds and cooler air behind.

Northwest winds will increase through the afternoon, blowing 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph before gradually easing tonight. Winds will shift more to the northeast overnight and fall below 10 mph.

Behind the front, temperatures will briefly cool down from Thursday into Friday, returning to near-normal levels for mid-March. Afternoon highs today will likely end up in the upper 50s to lower 60s once the front passes. Earlier forecasts suggested warmer readings, but how quickly the storm line moves through will determine whether some areas reach the 70s before the cooler air arrives.

Early Friday morning could also bring patchy frost or a light freeze in the higher elevations, especially in the mountains of Northwest Georgia.

The cool stretch will be short-lived. By the weekend, a rapid warming trend is expected as upper-level winds shift. Temperatures across the region could surge into the upper 70s and even the 80s by Saturday and Sunday.

Another cold front is expected to arrive Monday, bringing a chance for thunderstorms, particularly across southern portions of the forecast area. The exact timing will determine whether severe weather becomes a concern.

Behind that system, a much colder and drier air mass will settle into the Southeast early next week. Forecasts show widespread freezing temperatures possible Monday night into Tuesday, especially north of Interstate 85, with cooler conditions lasting through midweek.

The cold, dry air could also create dangerous fire weather conditions, particularly Tuesday, when humidity levels may fall below 25 percent and northwest winds could again gust near 30 mph. Meteorologists say Red Flag conditions are possible, though details may change as the forecast evolves.

Residents in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia are encouraged to stay updated on both fire weather concerns and the potential for freezing temperatures early next week.