Northwest Georgia residents should prepare for scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service. While a widespread severe weather event is not anticipated, the strongest storms could bring gusty winds, small hail, and locally heavy rainfall. The forecast also includes patchy fog before 10 am, giving way to mostly cloudy skies with a high near 78 degrees Fahrenheit. A south wind of 5 to 10 mph is expected. There is a 60% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts estimated between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, though higher amounts are possible in areas affected by thunderstorms. Looking ahead to the weekend, the National Weather Service forecasts isolated thunderstorms for Saturday and Sunday across portions of both north and central Georgia. Forecasters emphasize that widespread severe storms are not expected at this time.  Rain chances decrease on Monday and sunny skies and warm temperatures are expected to start the new work week.