Upper level ridge brings the return of summertime conditions

THURSDAY: A weak cold front to our north will bring a glancing blow of isolated storms through the early afternoon hours. Outside of that small storm chance, today will be hot under mostly sunny skies. Highs will top out in the lower 90s, with areas in the extreme drought likely seeing temperatures climb into the mid 90s. Low humidity values will keep heat indices practically nonexistent through the day.

TONIGHT: With mostly clear skies, temperatures will bottom out in the mid to upper 60s, with winds out of the south up to 8 mph.

EXTENDED: High pressure aloft will build over the area through the weekend, bringing back the summer heat. We’ll have abundant sunshine and hot afternoons, reaching 90-95 through Monday. Nights will slowly warm into the lower 70s through the next several days. The humidity will slowly rise and weekend heat indices will climb into the mid to upper 90s. The next chance of some much needed rainfall moves in Monday night and Tuesday of next week, with possible scattered storms and slightly cooler temperatures, in the upper 80s to near 90 next Tuesday. It’s possible that next will will feature a digging trough in the eastern part of the country. This will bring the return to northwesterly flow aloft and an increased chance for cooler weather/precipitation. Watch ABC 17 News for the latest forecast and check back here for updates.