Unseasonable warmth continues through the weekend

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Unusually warm weather will prevail through the short term as our region remains under the influence of an expansive subtropical ridge across the  center of the country. Beginning this morning, the concern will be areas of potential fog with localized dense fog possible, primarily in portions of western and Middle Georgia.  Still, uncertainty remains regarding the extent or persistence of any fog as a large and expansive cloud deck across north Georgia will limit overall fog coverage. Otherwise, a transient  shortwave today will bring more abundant cloud cover through the day, particularly across north Georgia. While temperatures will remain 15-18 degrees above normal, clouds should  prevent record highs today with a marginally higher odds of nearing or reaching a record here in Macon where clouds may be less dense. No pattern change is in store for Saturday, and temperatures will likely warm a few degrees over today as the ridge axis shifts slightly eastward and cloud cover will likely be less  persistent. The probability for reaching or exceeding a record high at forecast sites is higher on Saturday as more widespread mid-to-upper 70s are expected.