Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for dangerous heat today, with heat index values expected to climb as high as 106 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from noon until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday for nearly all of north and central Georgia.

Tuesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 95 degrees. Southwest winds will become west at 5 to 10 mph during the afternoon, with occasional gusts up to 20 mph. The combination of high temperatures and humidity will create hazardous conditions for anyone spending extended time outdoors.

Forecasters also warn that scattered showers and thunderstorms could develop late Tuesday into Tuesday night. While coverage is expected to be limited, any storms that do form could produce damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, frequent lightning, and locally heavy rainfall.

A cold front is expected to move through the region on Wednesday, bringing another chance for showers and thunderstorms before much drier and more comfortable air arrives later in the week. High temperatures will fall into the upper 80s by Thursday and Friday, with noticeably lower humidity.

Rain chances increase again over the weekend as another weather system approaches, bringing a return of scattered showers and thunderstorms Saturday through Monday.

Health officials recommend limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, drinking plenty of water, wearing light-colored clothing, and checking on elderly neighbors, young children, and pets. Never leave children or animals unattended in a parked vehicle, where temperatures can become life-threatening within minutes.