Residents of Northwest Georgia awoke to a chilly start today, with temperatures dipping below freezing in some areas. A freeze warning remained in effect until 10 AM. However, the cold snap is expected to be short-lived, as sunny skies and highs in the upper 60s are predicted for later today. Despite the pleasant afternoon forecast, a significant weather shift is on the horizon. A cold front, currently developing over the upper Mid-Western states, is expected to bring precipitation back to North Georgia around daybreak on Thursday. The front will linger throughout Thursday afternoon, bringing approximately an inch of rainfall to most of Northwest Georgia. The combination of daytime heating and available moisture raises the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms on Thursday afternoon. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has upgraded a significant portion of Northwest Georgia to a “slight risk” area (level 2 of 5) for severe weather. Isolated cells with hail and damaging winds are the primary concerns. Looking ahead to Thursday night, the threat of severe weather continues as a surface low advances from the Lower Midwest. Damaging wind gusts and hail remain the primary threats. The severe weather threat is expected to diminish overnight as instability decreases. Cooler temperatures and breezy northwest winds are expected on Friday following the front’s passage. The weekend is expected to bring a welcome reprieve with mostly clear skies and benign weather, though temperatures will be cooler than average.