Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can expect average to slightly above-average temperatures to continue through the weekend, along with several opportunities for rainfall and a few thunderstorms heading into Thursday and Friday.

According to the latest forecast, southwest winds will bring warmer air and returning moisture from the Gulf of Mexico into the region. High temperatures today will climb back into the 60s, with areas of light rain developing across north Georgia. The best chance for showers will be north of Interstate 20, including higher elevations and southwest-facing slopes, where weak upslope flow may enhance light rainfall. Most areas in Chattooga County should see light totals of a tenth of an inch or less through today.

Rain chances will increase tonight and into Thursday as a cold front approaches from the west. Thursday is expected to bring the heaviest rainfall during this short-term period, especially along and north of Interstate 20. Rainfall totals through Thursday evening are forecast to range from a quarter inch to three-quarters of an inch, with localized totals exceeding one inch possible in the mountains of far north Georgia.

A few rumbles of thunder are possible Thursday afternoon as daytime heating combines with the approaching front. While some storms may briefly become strong and produce gusty winds, widespread severe weather is not expected due to limited instability and weak wind shear.

Looking ahead to Thursday night and Friday, a developing low-pressure system will track northeast of Georgia, pushing the cold front steadily southward through the state. Widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms will continue, shifting south as the front advances. Rainfall totals through Saturday are expected to range between three-quarters of an inch and one and a half inches across Northwest Georgia, with locally higher amounts in elevated terrain.

By Saturday and Sunday, drier conditions will return as weak high pressure builds into the region. Morning lows will settle into the 40s, while afternoon highs warm into the upper 60s to low 70s Saturday and potentially the mid-70s by Sunday.

Another round of increased cloud cover and scattered showers could return Monday, though rain chances currently remain in the 20 to 30 percent range.

Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts for updates as the system develops later this week.