Tracking summer-like heat ahead of late-week rain

THIS AFTERNOON: Mostly sunny and warmer, with highs in the mid-80s and a steady breeze from the south at 5 to 15 mph.

TONIGHT: Increasing clouds, with a low chance of light showers to the north and west, mainly in places like Marshall, Brunswick, and Macon. Lows remain milder in the upper 60s and low 70s.

EXTENDED: Clouds roll in on Wednesday with a chance of a few showers during the day, but most will stay warm and dry in the mid-80s. Rain chances increase Wednesday night into Thursday morning, when we see more widespread downpours for the morning commute. Scattered heavy showers continue through Thursday into the evening, with most of the area seeing between 1 to 2 inches of rainfall by Thursday night. Rain may linger south of I-44, but showers should clear quickly on Friday, and cooler air moves in for the weekend, with highs in the upper 60s and low 70s through early next week.