Hot and humid conditions will continue across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia this weekend, but increasing thunderstorm activity is expected to bring periods of heavy rain and some relief from the heat.

Saturday will begin with mostly sunny skies and a high near 90 degrees. Heat index values could reach 97 before showers and thunderstorms become more widespread after 5 p.m. Some storms may produce damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are possible across northwest Georgia through the weekend, with locally higher amounts where thunderstorms repeatedly develop.

The unsettled pattern continues Sunday and Monday, with widespread showers and thunderstorms likely both afternoons. Rain chances climb to 90 percent each day, and localized flash flooding will become a concern, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas.

While widespread severe weather is not expected, a few storms could become strong with damaging winds remaining the primary threat.

The increased clouds and rainfall will provide a welcome break from the recent extreme heat, with afternoon highs cooling into the middle 80s Sunday through Tuesday. By Wednesday, rain chances begin to decrease, and temperatures will gradually climb back into the upper 80s before returning to the lower 90s later next week.

Residents with outdoor plans this weekend should remain weather aware and be prepared to seek shelter if thunderstorms develop.