Northwest Georgia can expect a warm and mostly dry Thursday before a significant shift in weather brings widespread showers and thunderstorms throughout the upcoming weekend. Temperatures will hover in the mid-to-high 80s until a noticeable cool-down arrives next week.

Today’s Outlook

(Thursday, August 21st): Residents will enjoy partly sunny skies today with a high nearing 89 degrees Fahrenheit. A slight 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is possible after 5 p.m. A light north wind around 5 mph will prevail. Tonight, the chance for scattered storms drops off before 8 p.m., leading to partly cloudy conditions with a comfortable low around 70 degrees, as winds become calm.

Weekend Weather Shift (Friday through Sunday):

The weather pattern takes a turn on Friday. Showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly after 2 p.m., with a 60 percent chance of precipitation. Despite the increased rain, the day will remain partly sunny, with a high near 85 degrees. Winds will be calm, shifting to a light east breeze around 5 mph in the afternoon. Friday night maintains the 60 percent chance of storms, mostly before 8 p.m., leading to a partly cloudy night with a low around 70 degrees.

Saturday brings continued likelihood of rain. There’s a chance of morning showers before 11 a.m., followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Showers are then likely, and possibly a thunderstorm, after 2 p.m. The day will be partly sunny with a high near 84 degrees. Saturday night sees showers and thunderstorms likely before 11 p.m., with chances of showers continuing into the early morning hours of Sunday. The overnight low will be around 69 degrees.

Sunday offers a slightly lower, but still significant, 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with partly sunny skies and a high near 85 degrees. By Sunday night, the chance of storms drops to 30 percent before 8 p.m., clearing to mostly clear skies and a cooler low around 65 degrees.

Potential Risks and Timing:

Forecasters indicate that scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected across Northwest Georgia from Friday through Sunday. The greatest coverage of storms is anticipated between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. each day. While the risk of severe weather remains low, there is an isolated flooding threat that could develop on Friday or Saturday, particularly in areas receiving heavier rainfall.

Looking Ahead to Next Week:

Looking ahead to next week, Monday is expected to be sunny with a high near 84 degrees. The region can anticipate a welcome cool-down as the week progresses, with high temperatures settling into the 70s and 80s, and overnight lows dropping into the low 60s, providing a refreshing end to the August heat.