Northwest Georgia will enjoy another relatively warm November afternoon today before a cold front brings a noticeable drop in temperatures over the weekend. Sunshine will return as the day progresses, with afternoon highs reaching the lower 70s. By Saturday, temperatures will be about 10 degrees cooler, and overnight lows will fall into the 30s in many locations over the next several nights.

The National Weather Service says today’s forecast calls for partly sunny skies early, gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 73 degrees. Light north winds will become northwesterly at 5 to 10 miles per hour during the afternoon, with occasional gusts as high as 15 miles per hour.

Motorists heading out early this morning should also be aware of patchy dense fog across portions of far North Georgia. Visibility could drop to one-quarter mile or less, particularly in valleys and lower elevations. The fog is expected to lift after 9 AM. Drivers should slow down, use low-beam headlights and allow additional distance between vehicles.

The change in weather comes as a cold front moves eastward across Georgia, bringing cooler and drier air into the region. While scattered showers are possible in parts of east-central Georgia, Northwest Georgia is expected to remain largely dry as the front moves through.

Tonight will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 43 degrees. North winds around 5 miles per hour could occasionally gust to 20 miles per hour.

Saturday will be sunny but noticeably cooler, with a high near 63 degrees. North winds of 5 to 10 miles per hour will make the day feel somewhat cooler, especially in open areas. Gusts could again reach 20 miles per hour.

Saturday night will bring one of the chilliest nights so far this season, with mostly clear skies and a low around 37 degrees. Some sheltered valleys and colder rural locations could experience temperatures a few degrees lower.

Sunday will feature plenty of sunshine and a high near 67 degrees. Winds will become lighter as high pressure settles over the region. Sunday night temperatures are expected to fall to around 36 degrees.

The National Weather Service says clear skies, lighter winds and dry air will create favorable conditions for nighttime cooling. Temperatures in the 30s are expected across much of North Georgia during the weekend and into early next week. The highest elevations of Northeast Georgia could even see readings near freezing.

Despite the chilly mornings, afternoon temperatures will gradually recover as the new week begins.

Monday will be sunny with a high near 71 degrees, followed by a partly cloudy Monday night with a low around 39.

Tuesday will be partly sunny with a high near 71 degrees and an overnight low around 40.

For Veterans Day on Wednesday, the forecast calls for sunshine and a high near 70 degrees, providing favorable weather for outdoor ceremonies and observances. Wednesday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 42.

The next chance of rainfall is not expected until Thursday, when forecasters are calling for a 20 percent chance of showers and a high near 66 degrees.

Overall, the National Weather Service expects a prolonged stretch of dry weather across Northwest Georgia, with rain chances remaining below 10 percent through the middle of next week.

The biggest change will be the return of more seasonable November temperatures, particularly during the overnight and early morning hours. Residents heading outdoors this weekend should plan for much cooler conditions than those experienced earlier in the week.