Residents across Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, are advised to prepare for a multi-day stretch of unsettled weather marked by high humidity, increasing heat, and daily chances of scattered thunderstorms, culminating in a dramatic temperature drop by Thursday.

Forecasters predict that an anomalously moist airmass funneling into the region will keep cloud cover prevalent and the possibility of afternoon and evening showers constant from today (Monday) through midweek.

Midweek Heat and Moisture Build

The start of the week is characterized by increasing warmth, pushing temperatures well above average for early October.

Monday begins with widespread overcast skies and spotty sprinkles, though highs are expected to remain near 80°F. The moisture in the atmosphere means that any rainfall that does materialize could be locally heavy, though most areas are likely to receive limited amounts (a tenth of an inch or less).

The heat and humidity peak on Tuesday and Wednesday. Daytime highs are forecast to reach the low to mid-80s, a range considered 5 to 10 degrees above average for this time of year.

“Similar to yesterday, isolated to scattered rain showers can be expected to increase in coverage during the afternoon hours,” a weather official noted, adding that some isolated storms could bring gusty winds and brief, heavy downpours.

The Arrival of the Cold Front

The pivotal day for the region’s weather pattern will be Wednesday, October 8th. A southeastward-trekking cold front is set to arrive on Northwest Georgia’s doorstep, bringing a higher chance of organized showers and thunderstorms throughout the day as it begins to mix through the warm, moist airmass.

This frontal passage is being nudged forward by a shortwave trough, which current models suggest will have cleared south central Georgia by Thursday morning.

Crisp Air and Cooler Temperatures Arrive

The most notable impact of the front will be the immediate return to seasonal temperatures and the filtering in of drier air.

By Thursday, October 9th, temperatures will experience a steep drop. Post-front conditions are expected to see highs fall back into the mid-70s by the afternoon. The rain chances will taper off significantly as the drier air takes hold.

Overnight lows, which have been holding stubbornly in the mid-60s during the first half of the week, are forecast to plummet into the mid-50s by Thursday night, offering residents a definite taste of autumn.

Daily Outlook for Northwest Georgia

Date Daytime Conditions High Temp Overnight Conditions Low Temp

• Mon, Oct 6 Partly sunny; afternoon isolated showers possible. ~80°F Partly to mostly cloudy. Mid-60s
• Tue, Oct 7 Partly sunny; slight chance of afternoon/evening showers and isolated thunderstorms. Low to Mid-80s Increased chance of showers; slight chance of storms after midnight. Mid-60s
• Wed, Oct 8 Mostly cloudy; chance of showers and thunderstorms ahead of cold front. ~80°F Skies becoming partly cloudy. Lower 60s
• Thu, Oct 9 Slight chance of morning showers; temperatures falling throughout the day as drier air moves in. Mid-70s Mostly cloudy skies return. Mid-50s