Another round of unusually hot September weather is in store for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia on Thursday, with temperatures climbing well into the 90s.

The National Weather Service says Thursday will be sunny with a high near 95 degrees. Humidity will make it feel even hotter, with heat index values reaching as high as 99 degrees during the afternoon. Winds will remain calm.

A strong upper-level ridge over North Georgia continues to produce warmer-than-normal temperatures while suppressing most shower and thunderstorm development. Forecasters expect dry conditions throughout the day Thursday.

Anyone working or spending extended periods outdoors should take precautions against the heat, including drinking plenty of water and taking breaks when possible.

Thursday night will remain mostly clear and warm, with a low around 71 degrees and calm winds.

Even hotter weather arrives Friday. The forecast calls for sunshine and a high near 96, with the heat index potentially reaching 101 degrees.

Rain chances begin returning over the weekend. Saturday will be sunny and hot with a high near 95 and a 30 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Sunday will reach around 94 with a 20 percent chance of afternoon storms.

A better chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms arrives early next week as a front approaches the region, helping temperatures gradually fall back into the upper 80s and lower 90s.