Hot and humid conditions will continue across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia through the weekend, with scattered afternoon thunderstorms providing only temporary relief from the heat.

Patchy fog is possible before 8 a.m. today, followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 91 degrees. The combination of heat and high humidity could push heat index values as high as 98 degrees during the afternoon. A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms develops mainly after 2 p.m.

The National Weather Service says the atmosphere remains extremely humid, with tropical moisture firmly established across Georgia. Any thunderstorms that develop could produce locally heavy rainfall, frequent lightning and strong, gusty winds. A few storms across north and central Georgia could become strong or severe, with damaging wind gusts expected to be the primary concern.

Rain chances will decrease after sunset, with a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 72 and calm winds.

Saturday will bring another hot and humid day with mostly sunny skies and a high near 91. Heat index values could climb as high as 99 degrees. There will be a slight chance of storms before noon, followed by a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low near 73, although an isolated shower could develop overnight.

Sunday will begin mostly sunny before showers and thunderstorms become more widespread during the afternoon. Rain chances increase to 60 percent after 2 p.m., with a high near 91. Showers and storms will remain possible Sunday evening before skies become partly cloudy overnight.

The weather pattern becomes somewhat drier early next week, but the heat will intensify. Monday will be sunny with a high near 93 and only a 20 percent chance of an afternoon storm. Tuesday could reach 94 degrees, with heat index values likely climbing into the triple digits in some locations. Highs remain in the lower 90s Wednesday and Thursday.

Forecasters are also monitoring a weak area of low pressure near the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. The system currently has a low chance of tropical development and is expected to remain weak as it moves northeast. Depending on its path, it could bring slightly drier—but not necessarily cooler—air into Georgia early next week.

Anyone working or spending extended periods outdoors should drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the afternoon. Never leave children or pets unattended inside a vehicle.