Residents across Northwest Georgia should brace for a continuation of scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms, expected to persist through Saturday. While most storms are forecast to be moderate, there’s a possibility of isolated stronger cells capable of producing heavy downpours, frequent lightning, and damaging gusty winds.

A frontal boundary began pushing into Northwest Georgia this morning, ushering in a line of showers. This front is expected to progress slowly southeastward throughout the day, bringing the persistent precipitation to the entire state. Forecasters anticipate the front will reach central Georgia this afternoon and evening, where it’s likely to stall through Friday afternoon before finally moving east of the region by Saturday morning.

While initial concerns about a highly organized front and strong instability levels have somewhat diminished, the potential for isolated severe storms remains, particularly in the eastern portions of the state, where a marginal risk has been identified. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, an additional 1 to 1.5 inches of rainfall is possible in many areas.

Temperature Relief Expected: The ongoing cloud cover and precipitation will bring a welcome cooldown. Today’s high temperatures are expected to be significantly cooler than recent days, with most areas seeing highs in the lower 80s. The longer-term outlook suggests a trend towards more moderate temperatures, with highs generally in the low to mid-80s and lows in the 60s.

Detailed Forecast:

• Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms are likely before 1 p.m., followed by showers and a chance of thunderstorms between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. A chance of showers and thunderstorms persists after 5 p.m. Patchy fog is possible between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Otherwise, expect mostly cloudy skies with a high near 80 degrees. Southwest winds will be 5 to 10 mph. There is a 70% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch possible.
• Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecast before 11 p.m., with a slight chance of showers between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. Patchy fog may develop after 2 a.m. Otherwise, expect mostly cloudy conditions with a low around 64 degrees. Southwest winds will be around 5 mph, becoming calm in the evening. The chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Friday: A slight chance of showers is expected early, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. Patchy fog is possible before 8 a.m. Otherwise, expect partly sunny skies with a high near 82 degrees. Winds will be calm, becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 40%.
• Friday Night: There is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Skies will be partly cloudy with a low around 62 degrees. North winds will be around 5 mph.
• Saturday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms exists after 2 p.m. Otherwise, expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 82 degrees.
• Saturday Night: Skies are expected to be mostly clear with a low around 61 degrees.
• Sunday: Sunny conditions are forecast with a high near 84 degrees.

The long-term weather pattern will be significantly influenced by conditions developing in the Atlantic Ocean in the coming days.