Unseasonably hot weather will continue across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia through the weekend, with temperatures climbing well into the 90s before a better chance of showers and thunderstorms brings somewhat cooler conditions next week.

Friday will be sunny and very warm with a high near 96 degrees. Heat index values could reach as high as 101, making it feel even hotter during the afternoon. Winds will remain light, becoming northerly around 5 mph later in the day.

Friday night will be mostly clear with a low around 71 degrees.

The National Weather Service says temperatures across North and Central Georgia are running roughly 5 to 10 degrees above normal for this time of year as an upper-level ridge continues to influence the region.

At the same time, moisture is beginning to increase across the area, creating the potential for scattered showers and thunderstorms to return. Forecasters say some storms developing Friday afternoon across portions of North Georgia could become strong to isolated severe.

The primary concern with any stronger storms will be damaging wind gusts, although storm coverage is not expected to be widespread.

Saturday will remain hot, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 96 degrees. There is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM. Rain chances increase to 30 percent Saturday night, mainly during the evening and early overnight hours.

Sunday will be slightly cooler but still warm, with a high near 93 degrees. There is a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, with only a slight chance lingering into Sunday evening.

A weather pattern change begins to take shape early next week as a front approaches the region. That system is expected to bring a better chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms and gradually lower temperatures.

Monday will be mostly sunny with a high near 93 and a 40 percent chance of afternoon storms. The chance of rain increases to 50 percent Tuesday, with a high near 90.

By Wednesday, temperatures are forecast to drop further, with a high near 86 degrees and a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Forecasters say rainfall totals through the period are generally expected to remain below an inch across much of the region, but the increased cloud cover and storm activity should help bring an end to the stretch of unusually hot September afternoons.

For Friday, the main weather concern remains the heat, with residents encouraged to take precautions during the hottest part of the day, especially those working or spending extended periods outdoors.