Forecasters say scattered showers and strong to severe thunderstorms could develop across north and central Georgia this afternoon and continue into the early evening hours.

The primary threats from any stronger storms will be damaging wind gusts and hail. Some storms could produce wind gusts exceeding 60 miles per hour along with nickel to quarter-sized hail.

The National Weather Service has placed much of the area under a Marginal Risk for severe weather today. Meteorologists say increasing moisture and instability, combined with afternoon heat, will help fuel thunderstorm development through the day.

High temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 80s and lower 90s today and Monday, creating favorable conditions for storms during the peak heating hours of the afternoon.

The severe weather threat is expected to diminish quickly after sunset tonight.

Looking ahead, warmer temperatures will continue through much of the week with highs remaining in the 80s and low 90s. Rain chances are expected to increase again beginning Wednesday as a slow-moving cold front approaches the Southeast.

Forecasters say showers and thunderstorms are likely to become more widespread from midweek into late week, especially across north Georgia. While widespread organized severe weather is not currently expected later in the week, isolated strong storms and heavy rainfall will remain possible.