Chattooga County will see another warm and dry day today, but residents should keep an eye on the forecast as a tropical system moving toward the Gulf Coast could bring heavy rain, gusty winds and possibly severe weather to Northwest Georgia this weekend.

The National Weather Service says today will be sunny with a high near 87 degrees, with calm winds becoming north around 5 mph during the afternoon. Temperatures will run roughly 10 to 12 degrees above normal for early October.

Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 59. Winds will remain light, becoming north around 5 mph after midnight.

Friday is expected to remain mostly sunny for much of the day with a high near 82. Winds will be from the north at 5 to 10 mph before becoming easterly during the afternoon. Rain chances begin increasing late Friday night, with a 30 percent chance of showers after 2 AM Saturday.

The major weather concern comes this weekend as Tropical Storm Isaias moves toward the northern Gulf Coast. Forecasters expect the storm to strengthen to hurricane intensity before making landfall late Friday night or early Saturday, with the current forecast taking the system inland near the Alabama-Florida state line.

After landfall, Isaias is expected to move northward through Alabama on Saturday. That track would place Georgia on the eastern, more active side of the storm, increasing the potential for heavier rainfall, gusty winds and possibly isolated tornadoes.

The National Weather Service says rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are possible across portions of Georgia from Friday night through Sunday morning. Some areas could receive locally higher amounts depending on the eventual track of the system.

For Chattooga County, showers are expected to become more widespread Saturday. Rain will be likely during the morning, followed by showers and possibly thunderstorms after 2 PM. The chance of rain is currently around 80 percent Saturday.

Saturday night appears to be the wettest period, with a 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and a low around 61.

Winds are also expected to increase as the tropical system moves inland. Sustained winds could reach 15 to 20 mph in parts of North and West Georgia Saturday, with gusts potentially approaching 40 mph in some locations.

The strongest winds are currently expected Saturday afternoon and evening before gradually weakening Saturday night.

Because Northwest Georgia could remain on the eastern side of the system, forecasters are also watching the potential for a few tornadoes. The exact severe-weather threat will depend heavily on the final track and strength of Isaias after landfall.

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm remain likely early Sunday, with rain chances decreasing during the day as the system moves away. Sunday should become partly sunny with a high near 75.

Conditions improve considerably by Sunday night, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 59.

Dry and warmer weather returns for Columbus Day Monday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 81. Monday night will be mostly clear with a low around 58.

Tuesday is expected to be sunny with a high near 84, followed by another mostly clear night with a low around 55. Wednesday should remain sunny with a high near 78.

The forecast for the weekend could still change as forecasters get a better handle on the exact track, timing and intensity of Isaias. Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should continue monitoring updated forecasts through Friday, especially if they have outdoor plans this weekend.