Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia are waking up to patchy fog this Sunday morning, but clearer skies are quickly taking over as high pressure settles across the region. The National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia says  mostly clear conditions will dominate today after the fog dissipates shortly after sunrise. Dry weather is expected to continue through Monday as a strong surface high builds down the Eastern Seaboard.

By Monday, a “wedge” of high pressure will push cooler air into Northwest Georgia. While much of the state sees highs in the upper 60s and 70s, areas under the wedge — including portions of North and East Georgia — may only reach the 50s. Breezy easterly winds and increasing cloud cover are expected as this cooler air mass settles in.

The wedge begins to break down Tuesday and Wednesday as high pressure shifts offshore. Temperatures will respond quickly. Highs Tuesday will range from the mid-50s to mid-60s in northeast Georgia, with 70s elsewhere. By Wednesday, widespread 70s are expected across Northwest Georgia, with some lower 80s possible.

By late week, a dramatic shift in the weather pattern will bring much warmer and more humid conditions. Southerly flow will strengthen as Northwest Georgia sits between a ridge to the east and a broad trough to the west.

Highs Friday and Saturday are expected to surge into the 80s, with some lower 90s possible — temperatures that are 15 to 20 degrees above normal for early March. Record highs could be in jeopardy.

With the added warmth and moisture, scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are likely late in the week. While a few storms could become strong, forecasters say widespread severe weather is not expected at this time due to limited wind shear.

Residents of Chattooga County should enjoy the dry and mild start to the week — and prepare for a taste of summer before next weekend arrives.