Dangerous late-summer heat will continue across Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia today, with the National Weather Service keeping a Heat Advisory in effect until 8 PM this evening.

The forecast for Saturday calls for sunny skies and a high near 97 degrees. With humidity remaining high, the heat index could reach around 104 degrees locally, while the National Weather Service says heat index values elsewhere across North and Central Georgia could climb as high as 107 degrees.

Forecasters say the combination of high temperatures and humidity could increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially for people who work outdoors, older adults, young children and anyone without access to air conditioning.

Residents are encouraged to drink plenty of water, limit extended exposure to the sun and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. The National Weather Service also recommends moving strenuous outdoor activities to the early morning or evening hours whenever possible.

Anyone showing signs of heat-related illness should be moved to a cooler location immediately. Heat stroke is considered a medical emergency, and anyone experiencing symptoms such as confusion, fainting or loss of consciousness should receive emergency medical attention.

Children and pets should never be left unattended inside parked vehicles, even for a short period of time.

Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 73 degrees, with patchy fog possible after 4 AM.

The heat will continue Sunday. After some possible patchy fog during the morning, skies are expected to become sunny with a high near 95 degrees. Heat index values could still reach around 101 degrees during the afternoon.

Sunday night will be mostly clear with a low around 72 degrees. North winds could increase to 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

The National Weather Service says scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms will develop across portions of North and Central Georgia this weekend as the weather pattern begins to change. Some storms could become strong to severe, with damaging wind gusts the primary concern.

The current local forecast for Chattooga County remains dry through Sunday, but residents traveling elsewhere across the state should remain weather aware.

A noticeable change arrives for Labor Day Monday as somewhat cooler and drier air begins moving into the region. Monday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 88 degrees, along with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM.

Monday night will be mostly clear with a low around 69 degrees.

Tuesday looks sunny with a high near 89 degrees, followed by a gradual warming trend during the middle and latter part of the week. Highs are expected to reach around 91 Wednesday, 92 Thursday and 91 Friday.

Forecasters say the relief from the weekend heat may be temporary, as temperatures are expected to climb back above normal by the end of next week.