Residents of Northwest Georgia should prepare for continued chances of rain and thunderstorms through at least early next week, with forecasters warning that locally heavy rainfall and flash flooding remain the primary concerns.

Cloudy, cooler conditions moved into the region Sunday as a wedge of cooler air pushed southward into Georgia. The system is expected to bring periods of showers and gusty winds, with wind gusts reaching 20 to 25 mph in some areas. Temperatures will remain below normal, with highs mainly in the 70s.

Thunderstorms remain possible across portions of the area Sunday and Monday. While widespread severe weather is not expected, forecasters say lightning and gusty winds could accompany stronger storms.

A Marginal Risk for severe weather has been outlined for Northwest Georgia on Monday afternoon and evening. Meteorologists are monitoring the possibility of a cluster of storms moving south from Tennessee, which could produce isolated damaging wind gusts. Areas with saturated soils from recent rainfall may be more vulnerable to downed trees and power outages if stronger winds develop.

The wet weather pattern is expected to continue into Tuesday before a significant shift takes place. A drier air mass is forecast to move into Georgia by Wednesday, bringing a welcome break from the frequent afternoon thunderstorms that have dominated the region in recent weeks.

Forecasters expect lower humidity levels and mostly dry conditions from midweek through the end of the week. Temperatures will gradually warm, but the absence of high humidity should make conditions more comfortable than typical for early June in Georgia.

Officials encourage residents to remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions and avoid driving through flooded roadways during periods of heavy rainfall.