Tracking more heat and humidity ahead of a more active and slightly cooler pattern this weekend

TODAY: Wednesday is partly cloudy, hot, and humid. A spot chance for a storm is possible this afternoon, but most will stay dry. Due to the small size of these storms, they will be short lived but still bring local rain, thunder, and lightning. Be aware of a lightning risk well outside of these storms. If you hear thunder, seek shelter inside a car or building. The big focus for most will be a heat index once more near 100. Winds are generally light and from the south.

TONIGHT: Overnight, skies will clear and temperatures will fall into the 70s.

EXTENDED: Thursday is nearly a carbon copy of Wednesday, with similar temperatures and heat indices. Spotty storms will again be possible. Friday brings a stalling cold front to the region. This raises the likelihood of scattered showers and weak storms, but there are questions on how exactly these storms play out locally as the front becomes more diffuse as it approaches. Still, expect better chances for rain and cloud cover. This will likely translate to slightly cooler temperatures, but that will depend heavily on track and timing of rainfall. Similarly, chances for rain will be higher overall through the weekend as upper level high pressure breaks down, leaving us exposed to more short wave disturbances that bring a more active pattern. This also likely leaves us cooler, with highs trending towards the mid-to-upper 80s through the weekend and into Monday.