After a pleasant start to the weekend, Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can expect a return to a more active summer weather pattern beginning Sunday afternoon and continuing through much of next week.

Saturday will be one of the better days in the forecast, featuring partly sunny skies and a high near 86 degrees. Light winds and a low around 68 Saturday night will make for comfortable evening conditions.

The weather pattern begins to change on Sunday as moisture increases across the region. While much of the morning should remain dry, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop during the afternoon and become more widespread later in the day. Rain chances increase to 60 percent Sunday afternoon and continue Sunday night.

The unsettled pattern is expected to persist through at least Tuesday, with daily chances for showers and thunderstorms. Monday currently appears to be the wettest day of the forecast period, with an 80 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms. Some storms could produce heavy downpours, frequent lightning, and brief gusty winds.

Rain chances remain elevated Tuesday before gradually decreasing during the second half of the week. By Thursday and Friday, only isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms are expected, with temperatures remaining seasonably warm in the mid-80s.

Residents planning outdoor activities this weekend should take advantage of the drier weather on Saturday and stay alert for changing conditions beginning Sunday afternoon.