A hot and mostly dry stretch of late-summer weather is settling across northwest Georgia, with temperatures climbing into the 90s and heat index values approaching or exceeding 100 degrees at times this week.

Today will be sunny with a high near 92 degrees. The heat index could reach around 98 during the afternoon. Winds will remain calm. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 72.

High pressure building across the Southeast will be the dominant weather feature for much of the week. The National Weather Service says the strengthening ridge will suppress most shower and thunderstorm development while allowing temperatures to rise above normal.

Tuesday is expected to be one of the hotter days, with sunshine and a high near 94. The heat index could reach 101 degrees. Tuesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 73.

Wednesday and Thursday will continue the pattern, with sunny skies and afternoon highs near 94 both days. Overnight lows will remain around 73.

Forecasters say widespread temperatures in the mid-90s are expected across much of the region during the middle of the week, with heat index readings near or above 100 degrees in some locations. While conditions are currently expected to remain below Heat Advisory criteria in many areas, the combination of heat and humidity could still make afternoon conditions uncomfortable.

Rain chances will remain very limited through Thursday.

The pattern may begin to change late in the week. Friday brings a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 94. A slight chance of storms will continue Friday night.

Saturday will remain hot, with a high near 94 and a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Rain chances increase somewhat by Sunday, when there will be a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high near 91.

The National Weather Service says there are indications the upper-level ridge could shift westward next weekend, potentially allowing a trough and frontal boundary to approach the Southeast. That could bring better opportunities for rain and somewhat lower temperatures, although forecasters caution that details remain uncertain this far in advance.

For northwest Georgia, the main weather concern through much of the workweek will be the heat. Anyone spending extended periods outdoors should take precautions, including drinking plenty of water, taking breaks from the heat and limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the afternoon.