Hot, humid summertime weather will remain firmly in place across Northwest Georgia this week, with scattered thunderstorms and increasingly dangerous heat becoming the primary weather concerns.

For Monday, partly sunny skies are expected with a high near 92 degrees. The heat index could climb as high as 101 during the afternoon. A few showers will be possible between 1 and 3 p.m., followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms later in the afternoon. Rain chances are around 40 percent.

Forecasters say thunderstorms will be more favored across North Georgia, where atmospheric conditions will support the potential for gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall. Any storms that develop could produce brief downpours and localized hazardous conditions.

Thunderstorm chances will decrease Monday evening, with storms mainly possible before 7 p.m. Skies will become partly cloudy overnight as temperatures fall to around 73 degrees.

Tuesday will bring another hot and humid afternoon, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 92. Heat index values could reach 102 degrees. There is a 30 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m.

Rain chances increase Wednesday, when showers and thunderstorms become more numerous during the afternoon. The chance of precipitation climbs to 60 percent, with a high near 91. Showers and thunderstorms will remain possible into Wednesday evening before conditions gradually improve.

The heat is expected to become an even bigger concern later in the week as high pressure strengthens across the Southeast. Thursday’s high is forecast near 93, followed by highs around 94 Friday through Sunday. Overnight lows will generally remain in the mid-70s.

The combination of temperatures in the 90s and high humidity will send heat index values into the triple digits in portions of the region. Forecasters say increasingly oppressive heat is expected from midweek into the weekend, and Heat Advisory criteria could eventually be reached in portions of the Southeast if current trends continue.

Despite the strengthening heat, isolated to scattered summertime thunderstorms will remain possible each afternoon through the weekend. While widespread severe weather is not currently expected, thunderstorms could produce gusty winds, frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall.

Anyone spending extended periods outdoors should take precautions against heat-related illness, including drinking plenty of water, taking frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the afternoon.