Rain chances are set to increase later this morning across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with light to moderate rainfall becoming widespread through the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia.

Clouds and rain will help keep temperatures from climbing too high today, though highs are still expected to run a bit above normal for mid-December. Forecasters say the steady rainfall should also limit instability, keeping the threat of thunder low.

A strong cold front is expected to push through the region tonight. A weakening line of showers and a few storms may accompany the front, with a few gusty winds possible during frontal passage. However, severe storms are not expected at this time.

Behind the front, Friday turns cooler and breezy across Chattooga County and the broader Northwest Georgia area, with improving conditions as precipitation clears out by Friday morning.

Looking ahead, high pressure settling in Friday night could create ideal conditions for radiational cooling, and many areas may drop below freezing. Sunday brings a fast-moving system with only a low chance of isolated light rain in portions of North Georgia—most places will mainly notice more clouds than precipitation.

By early next week, a setup favoring a weak wedge pattern could bring more seasonal temperatures. Longer-range signals point to a strengthening subtropical ridge, increasing the odds of above-normal temperatures heading toward Christmas across the South, including Northwest Georgia.