Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop again across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this afternoon, bringing the potential for gusty winds, heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding.

Rain chances will increase through the afternoon, with showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Storms will remain possible after 4 p.m. Skies will be partly sunny, with an afternoon high near 88 degrees and calm winds. The overall chance of rain is 60 percent.

The National Weather Service says slow-moving thunderstorms and elevated rainfall rates could produce localized flooding, especially in low-lying and poor-drainage areas. North Georgia is under a marginal risk, or Level 1 of 4, for excessive rainfall.

Some storms could also become strong and produce gusty winds, although heavy rainfall is expected to be the primary concern.

Storm chances will decrease Wednesday evening, with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly before 8 p.m. The overnight low will be around 70 degrees.

Thursday will bring another round of afternoon and evening storms. The day will begin mostly sunny, with showers and thunderstorms becoming more likely late in the afternoon. The high will be near 90 degrees, with heat index values approaching 97. Storms will remain likely Thursday evening before gradually diminishing overnight.

The familiar summertime pattern will continue through the weekend and into early next week, with mostly sunny mornings followed by scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

High temperatures are expected to reach around 91 degrees Friday through Monday. Heat index values could return to the triple digits this weekend as temperatures and overnight humidity levels increase.

Forecasters say afternoon thunderstorms may provide temporary relief from the heat, but the combination of high temperatures and rising humidity could eventually require heat advisories.

Anyone outdoors should remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions. Never drive through flooded roadways, and move indoors immediately when thunder is heard.

Today
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 2pm and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tonight
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Calm wind.
Thursday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 97. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday
A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Saturday
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Saturday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Sunday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Monday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Monday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Tuesday
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.