After a stretch of dry weather, showers and thunderstorms are making a return to Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today as a more active weather pattern settles across the region.

Moisture has increased significantly across North Georgia, providing the ingredients needed for scattered showers and thunderstorms to develop throughout the day. Rain chances are expected to continue through the afternoon and evening hours, with some showers already possible by late morning.

The National Weather Service says the return of rainfall is being driven by increasing moisture flowing northward into Georgia, combined with disturbances moving through the upper atmosphere. Atmospheric moisture levels have climbed substantially compared to recent days, creating favorable conditions for rain and thunderstorm development.

While severe weather is not expected to be widespread, some thunderstorms could produce frequent lightning, brief heavy downpours, and gusty winds. Forecasters indicate that atmospheric instability remains relatively limited, reducing the overall threat for severe storms. However, any thunderstorm can become dangerous, and residents are encouraged to move indoors when thunder is heard.

Rainfall amounts will vary considerably from one location to another. Most areas across Northwest Georgia are expected to receive between one-tenth and one-half inch of rain today, although isolated locations could pick up as much as an inch where heavier storms develop and linger.

Temperatures will remain seasonably warm despite the increasing cloud cover and rainfall. Afternoon highs are expected to reach the lower to middle 80s before falling into the upper 60s tonight.

Today’s showers and thunderstorms are expected to be the beginning of a wetter pattern that will continue through much of the upcoming week. Additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms are forecast for Monday and Tuesday as deep tropical moisture spreads across Georgia.

Forecast models indicate atmospheric moisture levels will become unusually high for early June, creating humid conditions and supporting widespread rain and thunderstorm activity. Some storms could develop during the morning hours early this week before additional storms form during the afternoon and evening.

Cloud cover and repeated rounds of rainfall should help keep temperatures near or slightly below normal through midweek, with highs generally remaining in the low to mid-80s.

Forecasters are also monitoring the Gulf of Mexico heading into next weekend. Long-range forecast guidance continues to hint at the possibility of tropical development associated with a broad area of disturbed weather expected to form near Central America. However, significant uncertainty remains, and it is far too early to determine whether any tropical system will develop or what impacts, if any, could eventually occur across the Southeast.

For now, residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for a return to a typical summertime weather pattern featuring warm temperatures, high humidity, and daily opportunities for showers and thunderstorms throughout much of the week ahead.