Residents of Chattooga County and northwest Georgia should prepare for another hot and humid week with daily chances for afternoon and evening thunderstorms, some of which could become strong or severe.

Today will be mostly sunny with a high near 92 degrees. Heat index values will climb to around 101 before scattered showers and thunderstorms develop after 1 p.m. Storms may produce damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall. While widespread flooding is not expected, isolated areas could experience brief flash flooding where the heaviest rain falls.

The National Weather Service has placed portions of north Georgia under a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms today, with damaging straight-line winds posing the primary threat. Storms are expected to diminish later this evening, leaving partly cloudy skies overnight with a low around 73.

Monday will bring another hot day with a high near 92 and heat index values approaching 102. Showers and thunderstorms are likely during the afternoon before clearing Monday night.

The unsettled pattern continues through Wednesday with daily afternoon storm chances and highs remaining in the lower 90s. Heat index values will continue reaching the triple digits through at least Wednesday.

A weak cold front is expected to move through late Wednesday into Thursday, bringing slightly lower humidity and highs closer to 89 degrees for the end of the week. While conditions will become somewhat more comfortable, isolated afternoon thunderstorms will remain possible through next weekend.

Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and seek shelter immediately if thunderstorms approach. Lightning can strike several miles away from a storm, and strong wind gusts may develop with little warning.