Residents of Chattooga County enjoying a pleasant and mild Labor Day weekend should savor the cool air while it lasts. According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, a significant warming trend is on the horizon, set to push thermometers back into summer-like heat by the end of the week.

The week will begin deceptively calm before a building ridge of high pressure ushers in what could be the final significant heat wave of the season.

“We’re seeing a classic late-summer pattern,” according to the National Weather Service Peachtree City office. “A brief cool front gave us a lovely holiday break, but it’s quickly retreating. We expect temperatures to climb steadily each day, culminating in potentially dangerous heat by Friday and Saturday. The silver lining is a strong cold front expected on Sunday that will provide dramatic relief.”

A Daily Breakdown of the Coming Week:

Today, Wednesday, September 3: The workweek starts with seasonable conditions. Expect mostly sunny skies with a slight chance of a passing afternoon shower or thunderstorm. Highs will be comfortable, reaching the lower 80s. Overnight, skies will be mostly clear with lows dipping into the low 60s.

Thursday, September 4: The heat begins to build. Thursday will be mostly sunny with a higher chance of pop-up afternoon and evening thunderstorms as humidity increases. High temperatures will climb into the mid-80s. The night will remain mild with lows in the mid-60s.

Friday, September 5: The first true blast of heat arrives. Friday is forecast to be sunny and hot, with high temperatures hitting the 90°F mark. The combination of heat and humidity will make it feel several degrees warmer. The night offers little respite, with mostly clear skies and lows only falling to the mid-60s.

Saturday, September 6: The peak of the heat wave is expected on Saturday. Conditions will be hot and humid with partly sunny skies. Scattered afternoon thunderstorms are likely, though they will do little to cut the stifling heat. Highs are projected to be in the upper 80s.

Sunday, September 7: A significant cold front will sweep through the region, bringing a welcome end to the brief heat spell. Sunday will be partly cloudy with a sharp and noticeable drop in temperatures. Highs are forecast to only reach the mid-70s, providing a crisp, autumn-like preview.