Tracking extreme heat and plenty of sunshine to go with it

TODAY: I'm tracking a muggy, warm start to the day as temperatures begin in the mid-70s. By the afternoon hours, plenty of sunshine is expected, and this, paired with southwesterly winds at 5-10 mph, will drive temperatures into the mid to upper 90s. The humid air will be making it feel extremely hot this afternoon, with heat index values nearing 110 or greater for some, which has triggered an area-wide extreme heat warning. Due to this intense and dangerous heat, an ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Day has been issued for today, but this is not the last day of these conditions.

TONIGHT: I'm tracking a slow cooldown as temperatures get back into the mid to upper 70s. Winds will continue to stay out of the southwest at 5-10 mph, and quiet, dry conditions are expected to persist.

EXTENDED: I'm tracking another brutally hot, sunny day on Monday, with air temperatures getting into the mid to upper 90s once again. This will lead to heat index values near 110 or greater as southwesterly winds pick up at 10-15 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. One final day of extreme heat is expected Tuesday as temperatures get into the low 90s by the afternoon hours and humidity makes it feel closer to 105-110 degrees. ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Days will be in effect for both Monday and Tuesday because of these continued conditions. A cold front that slowly moves through the area Tuesday will be the focus for relief from this heat, knocking out the humid air and bringing slightly cooler temperatures with it. By Wednesday afternoon, temperatures will only make it into the upper 80s by the afternoon hours, and heat index values are not expected to make it near the extreme criteria. This trend is anticipated to hold for the rest of the week into the weekend. Although there will be very low, isolated shower and storm chances throughout next week, the main focus for more widespread precipitation is expected Thursday night into Friday morning.