September is starting off feeling much more like the middle of summer across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with sunshine, temperatures in the mid-90s and heat index values climbing into the triple digits.

Today will be sunny and hot with a high near 95. With the humidity, the heat index could reach 101 degrees this afternoon. Winds will be calm. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 73.

The heat builds even more on Wednesday. Look for sunshine and a high near 96, with the heat index potentially reaching 103 degrees. The National Weather Service says a few locations across the region could briefly approach Heat Advisory criteria Wednesday afternoon.

Thursday and Friday remain sunny and hot with highs around 95 degrees and overnight lows in the lower 70s.

High pressure over the Southeast is responsible for the stretch of hot, mostly dry weather, suppressing most shower and thunderstorm development through the middle and latter part of the workweek.

There could finally be a small change by the weekend. Saturday brings a 20% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms with a high near 95. Rain chances remain around 20% Sunday as the ridge of high pressure begins to weaken. Sunday’s high will be near 94.

For Labor Day Monday, there is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high near 90 degrees, potentially providing at least some relief from the prolonged heat.

With afternoon heat index readings reaching or exceeding 100 degrees this week and warm overnight temperatures offering limited relief, residents should stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the afternoon and remember to check on children, pets and those particularly vulnerable to the heat.