Another hot summer day is on tap across Northwest Georgia today, with temperatures climbing into the lower 90s and heat index values reaching the triple digits as an increasingly hot weather pattern begins to take hold.

The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies today with a high near 92 degrees. When humidity is factored in, it could feel as hot as 101 degrees during the afternoon. Winds will remain light, becoming westerly around 5 mph.

There will also be a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Any storms that develop should be scattered, meaning many locations could remain dry through the day.

Temperatures today will run a degree or two warmer than Monday. Forecasters say some locations could experience heat index values approaching 105 degrees for a couple of hours. Conditions are currently expected to remain just below Heat Advisory criteria, but temperatures and humidity will be watched closely.

Any lingering shower or thunderstorm this evening should quickly diminish. The chance of rain drops to around 10 percent before 7 p.m., followed by mostly clear skies and an overnight low near 73.

Wednesday will bring similar conditions, with a 40 percent chance of mainly afternoon showers and thunderstorms, a high near 91 and heat index values potentially reaching 100 degrees.

The bigger weather story will be the increasing heat later this week as a strengthening ridge of high pressure sends temperatures steadily upward. Thursday’s high is expected to reach around 93 degrees, followed by 95 Friday, 94 Saturday and 96 Sunday and Monday.

Increasing humidity will make the heat even more noticeable. Triple-digit heat index values are expected to become increasingly common heading into the weekend, and forecasters say heat-related advisories or other headlines could become necessary in future forecasts.

Anyone working or spending extended periods outdoors should be mindful of the increasing heat. Stay hydrated, take frequent breaks and limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the afternoon when possible.

Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms will remain possible on several days, although widespread rainfall is not expected. Any thunderstorm that develops can still produce dangerous lightning, brief heavy rainfall and gusty winds.