Residents of Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for another round of afternoon showers and thunderstorms today and Sunday, with a few storms capable of becoming strong to severe, according to the National Weather Service.

The greatest threat for severe weather today will be across far north Georgia, where isolated storms could produce damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning, and locally heavy rainfall during the afternoon and evening hours. While not everyone will see rain, scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop as a weak weather disturbance moves across the region.

Temperatures will continue climbing through the weekend, with afternoon highs reaching the upper 80s to lower 90s today before warming into the low and middle 90s on Sunday. Combined with high humidity, heat index values are expected to top 100 degrees beginning Sunday, making it feel significantly hotter.

Looking ahead, forecasters say the heat will continue to intensify through next week as a strong area of high pressure settles over the eastern United States. Afternoon temperatures will remain in the 90s, with heat index values frequently exceeding 100 degrees and possibly reaching 105 degrees in some locations.

Despite the building heat, isolated to scattered thunderstorms will remain possible each afternoon through much of next week. While widespread rain is not expected, any storm that develops could produce dangerous lightning, brief heavy downpours, and gusty winds.

The National Weather Service encourages anyone spending time outdoors to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions during the afternoon and evening hours.