A Fire Danger Statement is in effect this afternoon across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia as very dry, warm conditions continue to raise wildfire concerns across the region.

Forecasters say high pressure remains firmly in control over the Southeast, keeping skies mostly clear and temperatures running far above normal for mid-April. Highs today through Saturday are expected to climb into the mid-80s to lower 90s, with some areas across north Georgia nearing daily record highs.

The main concern is the combination of low humidity, very dry vegetation, and ongoing drought conditions. Relative humidity values are expected to drop into the 25 to 30 percent range during the afternoon hours, creating an elevated fire risk. Winds are expected to remain below Red Flag Warning criteria, but fire weather concerns will stay high because of the continued dryness.

Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are being urged to avoid outdoor burning and use extreme caution with anything that could create a spark. Officials say even without strong winds, the dry conditions can allow fires to spread quickly.

The warm and dry pattern is expected to continue through Saturday. A slight chance of isolated showers could reach far north Georgia late Thursday into Thursday night, but most of the area is expected to remain dry.

Rain chances are expected to increase late Saturday into Sunday as a cold front moves toward the region, bringing scattered showers and possibly a few thunderstorms. Even with that system, forecasters say rainfall amounts are not expected to be enough to significantly improve drought conditions.

A cooldown is expected behind the front, with highs dropping back into the 70s by early next week and morning lows falling into the upper 30s and lower 40s.

For now, the biggest concern remains the ongoing fire danger as hot, dry weather continues across Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia.