FORECAST: Temps back up into the 80s for the week, rain may be on the way

Another round of gorgeous, sunny days is in store for Northwest Georgia the latter half of April continues to remain dry across the region, but the weekend may bring some relief (and potentially spoil upcoming spring events.)

The forecast currently calls for highs in the low to mid 80s through the remainder of the week accompanied by clear skies, low humidity and fortunately calm winds. Expect more fire danger warning statements over the coming days heading into the summertime burn ban becoming official in May.

Temps overnight around the region will remain in the low 50s – great stargazing weather in rural parts of the region – but then things will start to turn toward potentially wet weather for the weekend ahead.

NWS Peachtree City has the chance for showers overnight on Friday at 40%, and is calling (currently) for 60% chances of rain – especially during the afternoon hours as the highs get into the low 80s and fuels the chance for thunderstorms.

Rain chances remain through Saturday night and into Sunday, with highs expected in the 70s and low 80s to cap off the weekend, and remain in the upper 50s overnight.

Chances for rain will persist through the start of next week based on the latest forecast, bringing a good chance for an extended round of rain heading into the start of May. Don’t expect April showers to save the region from drought conditions, as an overall dry pattern has spread across the whole of the state.

Drought update

Most of Northwest Georgia is now under extreme or severe drought conditions, with some areas under only moderate drought.

The worst conditions are in Southeast and Southwest Georgia, where the land has been drying out through the winter months. NWS Peachtree City reports this is the worst conditions in nearly two decades in Georgia overall.

Right now, the counties most impacted are Catoosa, Walker and Whitfield counties which are under extreme drought. Dade, Chattooga, Gordon, Bartow and Paulding counties are mainly under severe drought conditions currently, while Floyd, Polk and Haralson counties are under moderate drought conditions. Some portions of the latter counties are under severe drought conditions.