Hot and humid weather will become the main concern across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia heading into the weekend, with afternoon heat index values climbing near or above 100 degrees and scattered thunderstorms remaining possible.

For Thursday, August 13, skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 93 degrees. A slight chance of showers is possible early in the afternoon, followed by a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Heat index values could reach around 100 degrees. Winds will be light, becoming westerly around 5 mph during the afternoon.

Thursday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 75.

Temperatures climb even higher Friday, with a high near 95 degrees and heat index values again near 100. There is a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Friday night will be mostly clear with a low around 75.

The weekend will remain very hot. Saturday is expected to reach around 96 degrees with a 20 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Sunday will also be mostly sunny with a high near 96.

Forecasters say a strengthening ridge of high pressure will bring increasingly oppressive heat and humidity into Georgia through the weekend and into the beginning of next week. Heat index values could climb into the 105 to 110 degree range across portions of the state, and additional Heat Advisories may be needed.

Monday could be the hottest day of the local forecast period, with sunny skies and an afternoon high near 98 degrees.

Thunderstorm coverage is expected to become more isolated as high pressure strengthens, but storms that do develop could still produce gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall. Forecasters say atmospheric moisture remains high, allowing stronger storms to produce wind gusts potentially in the 40 to 50 mph range.

Tuesday brings another 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high near 95, while Wednesday is currently expected to be sunny with a high near 94.

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