By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK—We can finally dust off those handy umbrellas that have been unused for weeks now that rain has entered the forecast for Dale County for the first time in weeks. Scattered rain is in the forecast this morning but it is expected to be light and will clear out by 9:00 a.m. as the weather patterns move off to the east and through large swaths of Georgia.
Residents across Ozark and Dale County can expect a mix of warm temperatures, multiple rounds of rain, and a few potential thunderstorms over the next 10 days, according to the National Weather Service.
As the radars above show the movement of rain out of Dale County, forecasters predict we may see small, scattered showers later tonight between 8 p.m. with a higher chance of rain overnight and into Thursday.
The extended forecast shows unsettled conditions through the end of the week, followed by a brief stretch of calmer and warmer weather before rain chances return late in the period.
Despite the expected rainfall, officials note that fire danger remains a concern across much of Dale County, and outdoor burning is still prohibited in many areas. Residents are urged to follow all local burn restrictions until conditions improve.
Midweek storms and heavy rain potential
The forecast begins Wednesday with a high near 88 degrees and a low around 66, along with a 40 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms. Periods of heavy rain may lead to ponding on roadways.
Storm chances increase Thursday, with a high near 74 and a low of 58. Showers and thunderstorms are likely, with rain chances around 60 percent, especially during the morning hours.
By Friday, temperatures cool further, with a high near 64 and a low around 56. Rain remains likely throughout the day, with a 70 percent chance of precipitation.
Saturday is expected to be one of the wettest days in the forecast, with a 60 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms, mainly in the morning. The high will be near 66, with a low around 48.
Clearing trend and cooler nights
Conditions begin to improve Sunday, with partly sunny skies and a 20 percent chance of rain. The high will be near 71, with a cooler overnight low around 48.
A stretch of more stable weather follows:
Monday will be sunny, with a high near 78 and a low around 50, and no significant chance of rain.
Tuesday brings mostly sunny skies, with a high near 81 and a low around 54, with only a slight 10 percent chance of rain.
Wednesday continues the warming trend, with a high near 85 and a low around 62, and a 20 percent chance of isolated showers.
Rain chances return late in the period
Clouds increase late next week again. Thursday carries a 30 percent chance of showers, with a high near 84 and a low around 65.
By Friday, rain chances rise to around 40 percent, with a high near 76 and a low around 63.
The best chance of storms will occur from Wednesday through Saturday, with the heaviest rainfall expected late in the week into Saturday.
The coolest temperatures are expected Friday and Saturday, while the warmest and driest stretch will be Sunday through Wednesday.
Even with rain in the forecast, fire risk remains elevated, and residents should continue to avoid outdoor burning and follow all local restrictions.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely, particularly during the midweek and weekend periods when thunderstorms and heavier rainfall could impact travel and outdoor plans.
7-day forecast for Ozark
Wednesday: High 88, Low 66, 40 percent chance of rain, scattered thunderstorms possible
Thursday: High 74, Low 58, 60 percent chance of rain, morning thunderstorms likely
Friday: High 64, Low 56, 70 percent chance of rain, steady showers expected
Saturday: High 66, Low 48, 60 percent chance of rain, thunderstorms possible, especially early
Sunday: High 71, Low 48, 20 percent chance of rain, partly sunny
Monday: High 78, Low 50, 0 percent chance of rain, sunny and pleasant
Tuesday: High 81, Low 54, 10 percent chance of rain, mostly sunny
