Northwest Georgia will remain stuck in an unsettled weather pattern through the beginning of next week, with scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms expected across the area.

The National Weather Service says a frontal boundary stretched across north Georgia will continue to be the main driver for rain and storm chances today and Saturday. Showers could begin developing late this morning in western parts of the state before becoming more widespread during the afternoon and evening.

Forecasters say the main concern with any thunderstorms will be locally heavy rainfall. With plenty of moisture in place and storms expected to move slowly at times, some areas could see heavy downpours in a short period. While widespread flooding is not currently expected, isolated flooding issues could develop where storms repeatedly move over the same locations.

Rain and thunderstorms may continue into the overnight hours and into Saturday morning, which could also lead to areas of low clouds and patchy fog.

The same general forecast is expected to continue into early next week. Afternoon thunderstorms will be possible each day, with high temperatures mainly in the upper 70s and lower 80s. Severe weather is not expected to be a major concern, but forecasters will continue to monitor the potential for flash flooding, especially in spots that pick up repeated rainfall.

A change in the weather pattern may arrive by the middle of next week. High pressure is expected to build into the Southeast, which could bring a break from the rain and allow for more sunshine and drying conditions.

Until then, keep the umbrella nearby and use caution on the roads during periods of heavy rain.