Recent rainfall has lowered the immediate wildfire threat across Northwest Georgia, but the latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows Chattooga, Floyd and Walker counties remain Abnormally Dry, indicating the region has not fully recovered from recent dry conditions.
Those planning to celebrate Independence Day outdoors across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for another day of dangerous heat, with only a slight chance of an afternoon thunderstorm.
Today will be sunny and very hot with a high near 96 degrees. Heat index values are expected to climb as high as 102 degrees during the afternoon. While an isolated shower or thunderstorm could develop after 2 p.m., mainly along the Alabama state line and in parts of far northwest Georgia, most communities are expected to remain dry through much of the day. A few additional thunderstorms will be possible Saturday evening before skies become partly cloudy overnight.
The National Weather Service says heat remains the biggest concern. “Feels like” temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees by around 10 a.m. and may not fall below that level until nearly 11 p.m., making it uncomfortably hot even after sunset. Anyone attending parades, cookouts, ballgames, fireworks displays, or other outdoor events should drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, wear light-colored clothing, and check on children, older adults, and pets.
Rain chances increase beginning Sunday as the weather pattern becomes more typical for early July. Afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms are expected Sunday through at least Friday, with daily rain chances ranging from 40 to 60 percent. High temperatures will ease slightly into the lower 90s by early next week, but humidity will keep heat index values in the upper 90s to around 100 degrees each afternoon.
Anyone spending time outdoors over the holiday weekend should continue to monitor the forecast, especially if thunderstorms develop later in the weekend.
Thursday will bring mostly sunny skies to Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with afternoon temperatures climbing to near 88 degrees. Winds will remain light, becoming south around 5 mph during the day.
A stretch of pleasant summer weather will continue across Chattooga County through the remainder of the week before temperatures begin climbing into the 90s this weekend and early next week.
A gloomy start across Northwest Georgia will give way to a much more comfortable weather pattern today as a front slowly pushes through the region.
Northwest Georgia residents should prepare for the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms this evening as a line of storms is expected to move into the region from Tennessee and Alabama between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
After a pleasant start to the weekend, Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can expect a return to a more active summer weather pattern beginning Sunday afternoon and continuing through much of next week.
After a mostly cloudy start to the Juneteenth holiday, skies will gradually clear across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this afternoon. Temperatures are expected to top out near 86 degrees, with light winds making for a comfortable day.
A cold front moving through Georgia is bringing noticeably cooler and less humid conditions to Northwest Georgia today, ending the recent stretch of hot and stormy weather.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become increasingly widespread throughout the day Sunday, bringing periods of heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds to the area. Temperatures will climb to around 88 degrees before storms become more numerous during the afternoon and evening hours.
