The summer heat will continue to intensify across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia over the coming days, while scattered thunderstorms could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall to parts of the region.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 92 degrees, but humidity will make it feel as hot as 99. There is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Any storms that develop could become strong, with forecasters highlighting the potential for isolated damaging wind gusts as disturbances move through the region in northwest flow.

The National Weather Service says scattered thunderstorms will remain possible through the week. Stronger storms could produce gusty winds, frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall. Forecasters are also monitoring the potential for organized thunderstorm activity moving into North Georgia, with strong to locally damaging wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph among the primary concerns.

Storm chances decrease Wednesday evening, with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly before 9 p.m. The overnight low will be around 73.

Thursday will bring another 30 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Otherwise, skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 93. The heat index could climb as high as 102 degrees. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 75.

The heat is expected to become the bigger weather story heading into the weekend as a strengthening ridge builds across the region. Friday will be mostly sunny with a high near 96, followed by highs around 97 Saturday and Sunday.

Monday could be the hottest day of the extended forecast, with sunny skies and a high near 98 degrees. Tuesday is forecast to reach around 96 with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Forecasters say the risk of excessive heat will increase through the period, with apparent temperatures reaching triple digits across much of the region. Anyone planning outdoor activities should take precautions against heat-related illness, including drinking plenty of water, taking frequent breaks and limiting strenuous activity during the hottest part of the afternoon.

While rain chances may become less widespread toward the weekend, forecasters caution that northwest flow can still support thunderstorm complexes that are difficult to predict several days in advance.