Residents of Chattooga County and northwest Georgia can expect another unsettled day of weather Tuesday as a slow-moving weather system continues to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms across the region. While the soaking rainfall has helped ease the recent stretch of extreme heat, forecasters say the pattern will gradually transition back to typical summertime conditions later this week, with temperatures climbing into the 90s and heat index values once again approaching or exceeding 100 degrees.

According to the National Weather Service, showers are likely throughout much of Tuesday, with thunderstorms becoming more numerous during the afternoon and evening hours. The greatest coverage is expected between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., although additional rounds of rain and thunderstorms are possible into Tuesday night. Tuesday’s high temperature is expected to reach around 82 degrees under mostly cloudy skies, with easterly winds around 5 mph and gusts up to 15 mph.

Rain chances decrease somewhat Tuesday night, but a few lingering showers and thunderstorms remain possible before skies begin to partially clear overnight. Temperatures will fall to around 69 degrees.

The unsettled weather will continue into Wednesday as another round of showers and thunderstorms develops, particularly during the afternoon. Wednesday’s high is expected to reach approximately 86 degrees before thunderstorms taper off Wednesday evening.

Meteorologists say the current weather pattern is being driven by a weakening area of high pressure to the north and a broad area of low pressure across the south-central and southeastern United States. As the low pressure system gradually weakens and shifts westward toward Texas during the middle of the week, Georgia will transition back into a more familiar summertime weather pattern.

Instead of widespread rain covering much of the state, thunderstorms will become more isolated to scattered and will primarily develop during the hottest part of the afternoon as daytime heating combines with abundant Gulf moisture. Even though storm coverage will become less widespread, any thunderstorm that develops will still have the potential to produce very heavy rainfall.

Forecasters note that atmospheric moisture levels will remain unusually high through much of the week, with precipitable water values exceeding two inches. That means slow-moving thunderstorms will be capable of producing torrential downpours in a short period of time, leading to localized flooding in poor drainage areas, along roadways, and in low-lying locations. Motorists are encouraged to use caution if they encounter water covering roadways and should never attempt to drive through flooded areas.

While widespread severe weather is not anticipated, thunderstorms will still be capable of producing dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning, gusty winds, and brief periods of reduced visibility due to heavy rain.

Beginning Thursday, rain chances will decrease to about 50 percent during the afternoon and evening as sunshine becomes more prevalent. High temperatures will climb to around 90 degrees Thursday and remain in the lower 90s through the weekend. Daily afternoon and evening thunderstorms will continue to develop, but they are expected to be more typical of July, affecting scattered locations rather than the entire region.

By Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, afternoon highs are forecast to reach between 90 and 92 degrees with overnight lows remaining in the lower 70s. Combined with the increasing humidity, afternoon heat index values are expected to rise back into the upper 90s and lower 100s.

The National Weather Service says portions of Georgia, particularly areas south and east of metro Atlanta, could approach Heat Advisory criteria later this week if forecast temperatures and humidity continue to increase. While northwest Georgia may remain just below advisory levels, residents should still be prepared for hot and humid conditions and take precautions if spending extended time outdoors.

Looking ahead to early next week, forecasters expect a large area of high pressure to build across the western United States. That pattern will place Georgia in a northwesterly flow aloft, allowing occasional weather disturbances to move into the Southeast. Those disturbances could bring periodic increases in thunderstorm activity while maintaining the familiar cycle of hot mornings, scattered afternoon storms, and warm, humid nights.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts throughout the week, particularly if planning outdoor activities. Keep an eye on the sky for developing thunderstorms, move indoors when thunder is heard, and stay hydrated as summer heat begins to return.