Dangerous summer heat will remain the main weather concern across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this weekend, with triple-digit heat index values expected and only limited relief during the overnight hours.

A Heat Advisory remains in effect as hot temperatures combine with high humidity across much of north and central Georgia. Forecasters say the prolonged heat could be particularly dangerous for people spending extended periods outdoors and for vulnerable residents without adequate cooling.

For Saturday, skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 94 degrees, but the humidity could make it feel as hot as 103 degrees. There is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m.

Any thunderstorms that develop could become strong, with damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall among the primary concerns. The Storm Prediction Center has placed portions of the region under a Marginal Risk, Level 1 of 5, for severe thunderstorms.

Tonight will offer little relief from the heat. Temperatures are expected to fall only into the lower to middle 70s under partly cloudy skies. Forecasters are particularly concerned about the lack of overnight cooling during this extended period of hot weather.

Sunday could be even hotter, with sunshine and a high near 97 degrees. Heat index values could again climb to around 102 degrees. Sunday night will remain warm, with a low around 75.

The heat is expected to peak early next week. Monday’s forecast calls for a high near 98 degrees locally, while portions of north and central Georgia could approach or reach 100. A slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms will remain possible.

Temperatures should ease only slightly by the middle of the week. Highs are forecast near 94 Tuesday, 95 Wednesday, 93 Thursday and 91 Friday. Afternoon thunderstorm chances are also expected to gradually increase later in the week as the upper-level ridge responsible for the extreme heat begins to weaken.

Anyone working or spending time outside should take the heat seriously. Drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas and limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the afternoon. Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, and check on elderly neighbors and others particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness.

The combination of consecutive hot days and warm nights will make this prolonged heat episode especially hazardous, with additional heat-related advisories or warnings possible into early next week.