A typical summertime weather pattern returns to Chattooga County and northwest Georgia Thursday, bringing hot and humid conditions along with another chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high near 89 degrees. Heat index values could reach 97 during the afternoon. There is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m. Winds will be calm early before becoming westerly at around 5 mph.

Any storms that develop are expected to diminish after sunset. While widespread severe weather is not anticipated, thunderstorms could still produce gusty winds, frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall.

Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low near 72. There is a 30 percent chance of storms, primarily before 7 p.m.

Temperatures will climb slightly Friday, with a high near 90 and heat index values approaching 99. Showers and thunderstorms become more likely after 2 p.m., with a 50 percent chance of rain. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 72.

Saturday and Sunday will remain hot, with highs near 90 and a 60 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms both days. Storm chances should decrease during the evening hours, with overnight lows near 72.

Forecasters say Friday and Saturday could be the hottest days of the extended period, with heat index values potentially reaching 100 to 105 degrees across parts of Georgia. Some areas of east-central Georgia could experience even higher apparent temperatures.

Forecast confidence decreases beginning Sunday because of a possible upper-level low developing over Florida and the northeastern Gulf. The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring the region for a low chance of tropical development. Any development could influence rainfall and humidity levels across Georgia early next week, although considerable uncertainty remains.

Drier and hotter conditions are currently forecast for Monday and Tuesday. Monday should be sunny with a high near 92, followed by a mostly sunny Tuesday with a high near 93. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms returns Wednesday.

Thursday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Heat index values as high as 97. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 72. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 99. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 92.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 73.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Wednesday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.