Tracking hot and dry weather before spotty storm chances into the weekend

TODAY: Wednesday is another hot day. Tuesday's heat index was around 100 degrees. This was not as hot as in days past, thanks to dew points mixing away from the surface into the lower atmosphere. This may happen again today. Still, be prepared for heat indexes in the 100-105 range.

TONIGHT: We will stay warm and muggy tonight, remaining in the 80s well past midnight. Lows only fall into the mid-70s.

EXTENDED: Wednesday through Saturday are ABC17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Days for more heat. It's looking like we will avoid the most dangerous 105+ degree heat indices. Still, this is dangerous territory with prolonged exposure or strenuous activity with no breaks. Also, those who are more susceptible to heat-related illness, like children, the elderly, and those with underlying conditions, will primarily be at risk. Spot showers and weak storms may bubble up near I-44 on Thursday evening, with a slightly better chance across more of the region on Friday and Saturday. This comes as our heat dome is weakening. Rain chances are greater Saturday night through Sunday as an upper-level wave may be able to traverse the weakening ridge. This won't bring a dramatic cooldown, but more clouds and greater rain chances may nibble away at the heat, putting forecast highs in the upper 80s by Monday and Tuesday, rather than the low 90s late this week through the weekend.