A stretch of unusually warm November weather is setting up across Northwest Georgia and Chattooga County, and it’s expected to last well into next week.

Temperatures are running far above what we normally see this time of year, and forecasters say several daily record highs may be challenged between Wednesday and Friday. Across our area, highs will climb into the upper 70s, and in some spots even reach the low 80s — roughly 15 to 20 degrees above seasonal averages. While we’re used to mild spells in the fall, this level of warmth is well outside the norm for mid-November, and the National Blend of Models gives places like Atlanta and Athens around a 30% chance to actually tie or break long-standing temperature records. Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, will be right in the middle of this warm pattern.

Rain chances return briefly tonight and early Wednesday, but they will be limited mainly to communities north of Interstate 20, which includes the mountains and portions of Northwest Georgia. A weak front and an upper-level trough moving through the Ohio Valley will help generate some light showers after 10 PM, with the best chances — around 50 to 60 percent — between 1 AM and 7 AM.

Chattooga County could see a few sprinkles, but most measurable rainfall will fall north of us. Even where rain does develop, totals are expected to stay light, generally a tenth of an inch or less, with isolated spots picking up as much as a quarter inch. Forecasters say the atmosphere could support a couple of lightning strikes, but no severe weather is expected, as instability remains elevated rather than surface-based.

After those morning showers diminish Wednesday, dry weather takes over again, and temperatures will quickly rebound into the upper 70s by afternoon across Northwest Georgia. That warming trend continues into Thursday and Friday, with highs once again pushing well above normal.

Unfortunately, this brief mid-week rainfall won’t do much to help the ongoing drought affecting Chattooga County and surrounding areas. The next meaningful rain chance arrives on Saturday, as a developing storm system over Texas and Oklahoma pushes its moisture eastward. By Friday morning, deeper moisture will be knocking on Northwest Georgia’s doorstep, gradually spreading across the region through Friday afternoon and Friday night. Widespread showers are expected on Saturday, but at this point, rainfall totals still do not appear significant enough to make major improvements in drought conditions.

In summary, Northwest Georgia — including Chattooga County — can expect very warm temperatures, minimal rain chances tonight and early Wednesday, and a better chance for showers over the weekend as a new system approaches. Until then, prepare for a stretch of unseasonably warm, dry weather heading into the end of the week.