GAINESVILLE — Don’t pack away those winter sweaters just yet; the record-setting heat wave is expected to end by the weekend.

Gainesville set a record high Sunday with 75 degrees, according to AccuWeather. The previous high was 73, set in 1998.

Atlanta, Athens and Macon also all hit record highs for the date, while Columbus tied its previous record, according to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City.

According to Brian Lynn, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, the warm spell is being brought about due to a combination of high pressure aloft and a southerly flow.

"The low-level flow allows the temperatures to climb pretty good, which is what they’ve done," Lynn said.

There’s a chance some areas could set records again today, as the forecast calls for more warm weather.

Gainesville could be pretty close to another record today, according to forecasters with AccuWeather. The record high for Dec. 10 is 74 degrees, set in 1943, and the forecast calls for a high today of 73.

In addition, Lynn said Atlanta and Athens have the best potential for setting new records today as the record highs for this date in Columbus and Macon are a little too warm to likely be eclipsed today.

High temperatures are likely to remain in the low 70s to upper 60s through mid-week, but a slight cooling trend is expected as the week goes on. Forecasters agree that come Friday or Saturday, high temperatures will be returning to the normal mid-50s that are more typical for December in North Georgia.

As for the ever-present question of precipitation, the next significant chance for any rain is the end of the week or the beginning of next week, Lynn said.

"By the end of the week we’re going to be watching a system that has some potential," he said. "We can just keep our fingers crossed. ... We really need that rain, especially in Lake Lanier."