A taste of summer’s full force is arriving in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia as temperatures climb into the 90s and humidity pushes heat index values close to — and in some locations above — 100 degrees through the weekend.

Friday will bring hot and muggy conditions with afternoon temperatures reaching the lower 90s. Combined with dew points in the low 70s, it will feel significantly hotter, with heat index values expected to reach the upper 90s and low 100s. Anyone spending extended time outdoors is encouraged to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and limit strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.

Forecasters are also monitoring the potential for a few strong thunderstorms across far north Georgia Friday afternoon and evening. While widespread severe weather is not expected, Chattooga County and surrounding areas are included in a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe storms. The strongest storms could produce gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and frequent lightning.

An isolated flash flooding threat also exists where thunderstorms develop. Slow-moving storms could drop heavy rainfall in a short period of time, leading to localized flooding of low-lying areas and poor-drainage locations.

The heat is expected to continue Saturday, with temperatures again reaching the 90s. Heat index values could exceed 100 degrees in parts of Northwest Georgia, making outdoor precautions important for anyone attending sporting events, festivals, yard sales, or other weekend activities.

Looking ahead, a more active weather pattern is expected to develop late Sunday and continue into next week. Rain and thunderstorm chances will increase significantly as a weather system moves into the region. Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms could bring multiple inches of rainfall to North Georgia between Sunday night and Tuesday.

While the additional cloud cover and rainfall should bring some relief from the heat, forecasters are increasingly concerned about the potential for heavy rain and localized flooding as the wetter pattern settles over the area.

Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts through the weekend as conditions evolve and additional advisories may be issued.

Today
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 99. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning.
Tonight
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 97. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Saturday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 87. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night
Showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday
A chance of showers between 8am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Monday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tuesday
A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tuesday Night
A slight chance of thunderstorms before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Wednesday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Thursday
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 60%.