Chattooga County and the surrounding area will enjoy several more days of dry, pleasant fall weather before rain chances increase over the weekend as forecasters continue watching a developing system in the Gulf of Mexico.

Today will be sunny with a high near 81 degrees. Northeast winds around 5 mph will become easterly during the morning. Some areas of north Georgia could see patchy fog early, especially in low-lying locations, but any fog should quickly dissipate after sunrise as drier air settles into the region.

Tonight will be clear and cool with a low around 54 degrees. Winds will become calm overnight.

Wednesday will bring another day of sunshine with a high near 83. Wednesday night will remain clear with temperatures falling back to around 54. High pressure will remain the dominant weather feature across the Southeast, keeping conditions dry and seasonable through the middle of the week.

Temperatures will edge a little warmer by Thursday and Friday. Thursday will be sunny with a high near 86, followed by mostly clear skies Thursday night and a low around 57.

Friday will be mostly sunny with a high near 85. Clouds may begin increasing Friday night as moisture starts returning to the area, and there will be a 20 percent chance of showers after 2 AM. The overnight low will be around 58.

A more noticeable weather change is expected Saturday. The forecast calls for a 40 percent chance of showers, mainly during the afternoon, with partly sunny skies and a high near 76. Rain chances increase to 60 percent Saturday night, with showers becoming more likely after 8 PM.

Sunday could bring the wettest weather of the period. Showers are likely, and thunderstorms will also be possible, with a 60 percent chance of precipitation. The high is expected to be near 75 degrees.

The National Weather Service says forecasters are closely monitoring an area of low pressure in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico that has the potential for tropical development over the coming days.

At this point, there remains considerable uncertainty about exactly where the system will track, how strong it may become, and what impacts it could eventually bring to Georgia. Forecast models often struggle with developing tropical systems before a well-defined circulation forms, which means the outlook could change significantly as the week progresses.

Current forecasts suggest the system could move northward toward the northern Gulf Coast. Depending on its eventual path, north and central Georgia could experience breezy conditions along with increased moisture, showers and thunderstorms.

Forecasters say sustained winds of up to 15 mph and gusts between 25 and 30 mph could become possible over the weekend or early next week. If a deep plume of tropical moisture moves into Georgia, periods of heavy rainfall could also develop.

That could increase the possibility of localized flash flooding and rising water levels along creeks, streams and rivers, especially in areas that receive repeated rounds of rainfall.

Sunday night will continue to carry a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low around 59.

For Columbus Day Monday, showers will remain possible, with a 30 percent chance of rain. Otherwise, skies should become partly to mostly sunny with a high near 79.

Residents across Chattooga County should continue monitoring the forecast through the week as forecasters gain a better understanding of the Gulf system and its possible impact on northwest Georgia.