Mostly sunny and dry conditions will continue across Middle Georgia and parts of north Georgia through Thursday, bringing an elevated fire danger this afternoon due to very low relative humidity. Officials have issued a Fire Danger Statement as humidity values drop to 25 percent or lower in some areas, increasing the risk of wildfires despite cool temperatures.

After a chilly start this morning, highs today will rebound into the 50s, still a few degrees below normal. Temperatures dip near or just below freezing again tonight and early Thursday, but a warming trend is on the way. By Thursday afternoon, many locations will climb back into the low 60s, slightly above average for late December.

Looking ahead, rain chances return late Friday into Saturday as a weather system moves across the Southeast. Showers and a few embedded thunderstorms are possible, mainly south of the Atlanta metro, though severe weather is not expected. Rainfall totals of about one-half to one inch are forecast, which will help but not fully resolve ongoing drought conditions.

Dry and calm weather is expected to return by late Saturday night and continue into early next week. Temperatures will remain mild, with highs in the mid-50s to 60s and overnight lows gradually warming into the upper 30s and 40s.