A Fire Danger Statement is in effect Friday for Chattooga County and all of Northwest Georgia as very dry air overspreads the region. Relative humidity values are expected to fall into the low to mid-20 percent range Friday afternoon, creating favorable conditions for wildfire ignition and spread. While winds are forecast to remain generally light, officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning and use extra caution with anything that could spark a fire.

Dry and unseasonably warm weather will continue through Saturday, with afternoon highs climbing into the lower to mid-60s across Northwest Georgia, including Summerville, Trion, and surrounding communities. These temperatures are running 4 to 6 degrees above normal for this time of year. Overnight lows will still dip into the 30s and lower 40s, especially in more rural and low-lying areas, due to very low dewpoints.

A significant change in the weather pattern arrives Saturday night as a strong storm system moves east out of Texas and into the Deep South. Widespread rainfall is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia from Saturday night through Monday morning, with rain spreading from west to east late Saturday evening and becoming widespread overnight.

On Sunday, temperatures will warm into the mid to upper 60s, with a few locations possibly touching 70 degrees. This will allow for some limited atmospheric instability. While severe weather is not expected, the risk is low but not zero, and isolated thunderstorms could develop Sunday afternoon. An isolated strong storm cannot be ruled out, but widespread severe weather is unlikely at this time.

The primary concern with this system will be heavy rainfall. Forecast models indicate 1 to 1.5 inches of rain across most of Northwest Georgia, with isolated amounts approaching 2 inches, especially in areas that experience repeated rounds of rain. While the rainfall will help ease dry conditions and fire concerns, localized flooding issues could develop, particularly in low-lying areas, near creeks, and in spots with poor drainage.

Rain will gradually taper off early Monday morning as the system exits the region. Cooler and drier air will move in behind the storm, with dry weather returning Tuesday and Wednesday. Temperatures will remain mild for mid-February, with highs staying in the 60s across Northwest Georgia.

Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware this weekend and monitor local forecasts for any updates.