Northwest Georgia will be experiencing increased cloud cover today as a frontal boundary approaches from the north. According to current satellite loops, the leading edge of the front is expected to move into Northwest Georgia around daybreak, bringing with it the possibility of scattered, light showers – but they will not be widespread. While the front is not expected to produce significant rainfall or thunderstorms due to a lack of moisture and instability, residents should anticipate gusty winds throughout the day.

Southwest winds will increase to 10-15 mph with gusts near 25 mph before shifting to the northwest following the frontal passage. The National Weather Service is closely monitoring wind speeds, although they are not expected to reach advisory criteria. Winds are forecast to diminish after sunset tonight. Despite the increased cloud cover, temperatures will remain mild, with highs in the 60s and 70s today and Friday. Overnight lows will dip into the 40s, with some areas in the North Georgia mountains experiencing upper 30s. Looking ahead, a dry cold front will push into the area on Saturday, bringing with it the potential for even stronger gusty winds, particularly over northeast Georgia. Pressure gradient winds could reach 30-35 mph in the north Georgia mountains. The combination of high winds and low relative humidity (25-30%) raises concerns for increased fire danger this weekend and into early next week.

High pressure will settle into the area from Sunday into Monday, leading to warming temperatures. Highs are forecast to be 6-8 degrees above normal, reaching the low to mid 70s, with lows in the mid 40s.

The next weather system to watch is a low pressure system pushing into the western CONUS. Models predict it will move into the central plains by Wednesday, bringing the possibility of rain to North and Central Georgia. Confidence is increasing in the likelihood of rain Wednesday into Thursday, and forecasters are evaluating the potential for severe weather, including thunderstorms.