The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a special weather statement today, warning residents of Northwest Georgia about high fire danger conditions prevailing this afternoon and evening. Low relative humidity and dry fuels are contributing to the elevated risk. According to the NWS, relative humidity is expected to drop to 25 percent or less for at least four hours today, Thursday.

Southeast winds will be blowing at 5 to 10 mph, exacerbating the dry conditions. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. “With dry fuels, high fire danger conditions can be expected,” the statement warned. The high fire danger is expected to persist through at least Friday. However, relief is in sight. Forecasters predict a shift in the weather pattern, bringing rain and thunderstorms to the region from Saturday night through Monday. While the moisture will alleviate the fire risk, it could introduce the possibility of severe weather on Sunday and Monday.

On Saturday, southern winds will increase humidity, reducing the fire risk to below 10%. However, strong gusts over 25 mph could still pose a fire danger in western Georgia. The expected thunderstorms are driven by two approaching shortwave troughs. The first trough will arrive Saturday night into Sunday, bringing rain. The second, stronger trough is expected to arrive Sunday night into Monday, potentially leading to severe weather. While the potential for strong to severe storms exists, the NWS emphasizes that confidence in significant severe weather is currently moderate. Decent conditions for updrafts and potential damaging winds are possible.

Residents are urged to stay informed as the forecast evolves. The NWS will provide updates as new data becomes available. The forecast will become clearer as we approach Friday and receive updated guidance.

Forecast:

Today will be sunny with a high near 75 and calm winds from the southeast around 5 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 49 and calm winds.

On Friday, it will be mostly sunny with a high near 81 and calm winds becoming south in the afternoon that could gust up to 15 mph. Friday night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 58.

Saturday has a 20 percent chance of showers after 2 PM, mostly cloudy with a high near 79 and south winds. Saturday night will likely have showers after 2 AM with a low around 59.

Sunday will have likely showers and possible thunderstorms after 2 PM, mostly cloudy with a high near 78. Sunday night will have a chance of showers and thunderstorms, then likely showers after 2 AM with a low around 62.

Monday has likely showers and possibly thunderstorms before 2 PM, turning partly sunny with a high near 76. Monday night has a 30 percent chance of showers before 8 PM with a low around 46. Tuesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 75.