All eyes are on Tuscaloosa this Saturday, where College GameDay takes place as Georgia faces Alabama. But Tropical Storm Isaias could put a damper on the big SEC showdown.

Heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms are possible as Tuscaloosa sits in the storm's cone.

Isaias will also affect tailgates across the Southeast, and its rain spreads from the Southeast to the Northeast on Sunday, impacting NFL games.

Elsewhere, the West sees some cool relief while the Midwest remains warm. Here's the latest.

(WEATHER LABS: Football tailgate forecasts)

Saturday

As a UGA alumni myself (GOOO DAWGS!), I'll say it: this game is setting up to be a drenching one for the books.

Get More of Our News on Google

Set The Weather Company as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

The biggest SEC showdown of the weekend is headed for a soaked, windy Tuscaloosa, so pack the ponchos.

(MORE: Latest Tropical Storm Isaias forecast)

Isaias's rain also threatens several other key Southeast matchups, so tailgaters should have rain gear ready and a backup plan if storms move in:

• Ole Miss at Vanderbilt (Nashville)
• LSU at Kentucky (Lexington)
• South Carolina at Florida (Gainesville)
• Duke at Georgia Tech (Atlanta)

Ahead of the storm, some colleges are making alternative plans in preparation for a weekend washout.

Anyone tailgating at a college game in the Southeast this weekend should stay alert and be ready to adjust, with heavy rain likely and rain chances extending northward into the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley.

Temperatures will be cooler across the Southeast and Northeast this weekend, with rain chances adding to the chill.

The West finally gets relief from its intense heat wave, while the Plains stay warmer, with temperatures holding in the mid-80s to 90s.

Sunday

After a soggy Saturday, heavy rain and strong winds continue Sunday as the rain lingers over the Southeast and shifts north, threatening NFL tailgates along the way. Monsoon rain will also impact the Phoenix region.

(MORE: Tracking Tropical Storm Isaias)

Tailgaters should have rain gear ready and be prepared to adjust at these games:

• Bengals at Dolphins (Miami)
• Vikings at Saints (New Orleans)
• Ravens at Falcons (Atlanta)
• Texans at Titans (Nashville)
• Giants at Commanders (Washington, D.C.)
• Colts at Steelers (Pittsburgh)
• Browns at Jets (New York City)
• Raiders at Patriots (Boston)

(MORE: The top 10 weather games In NFL history)

Cool relief is on the way for some, but relentless heat grips other parts of the country.

Miami will see temperatures climb into the upper 90s, while Texas and the Plains remain under intense heat. The Phoenix region is also seeing hot conditions, even with rain in the forecast.

(MORE: The ultimate tailgate playbook for every football forecast)

Tailgate safety: know your forecast, stay aware

Whether you're facing heat or storms this weekend, staying aware of changing conditions — and having a plan to adjust — is the best way to stay safe at your tailgate:

• Check the forecast for your specific tailgate location and arrival time, not just the daily high, since conditions can shift significantly between morning setup and kickoff
• Heat safety: Stay hydrated, seek shade whenever possible, take breaks in air conditioning if available, and know the signs of heat exhaustion — dizziness, heavy sweating, and nausea
• Storm safety: Monitor local radar in the hours before and during your tailgate, since storm timing can shift quickly
• Lightning safety: If thunder roars, go indoors — a hard-topped vehicle counts if no building is nearby. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before heading back outside
• Secure your setup: Tents, canopies, and loose gear should be tied down or ready to pack up quickly if storms move in

Faiza Mohammed is a meteorologist intern at weather.com. She studied geography and worked with the Weather Dawgs team at the University of Georgia. She also received her master's in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from the Georgia Institute of Technology.