After another hot summer morning, weather conditions across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia are expected to become increasingly active this afternoon as a series of disturbances brings a higher chance of showers and thunderstorms through the weekend and into early next week.

For today, skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 92 degrees. Heat index values could reach 98 degrees before scattered showers and thunderstorms begin developing after 2 p.m. West winds of 5 to 10 mph may gust up to 15 mph. While many storms will produce heavy rain and frequent lightning, a few stronger storms could also generate damaging wind gusts.

Rain chances increase significantly on Saturday, with thunderstorms becoming widespread during the afternoon and continuing into Saturday night. Showers and thunderstorms are also expected on Sunday and Monday, with rain chances ranging from 70 to 80 percent. Although the weekend is not expected to be a complete washout, outdoor activities will likely be interrupted by periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

The increased cloud cover and rainfall will also bring relief from the recent heat. High temperatures are expected to fall into the upper 80s Sunday before cooling into the lower to middle 80s by Monday and Tuesday. By the middle of next week, rain chances gradually decrease while temperatures begin climbing back toward 90 degrees.

Residents planning outdoor events this weekend should monitor the forecast closely and be prepared to move indoors if thunderstorms develop.