Tracking dangerous heat ahead of a cold front that brings widespread rain and heat relief this week
TODAY: Monday is an ABC17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Day. You can get more from our online blog. Temperatures are forecast to reach low 90s fairly easily this afternoon. Given yesterday's dew points in the upper 70s and the fact that we don't expect vast differences this afternoon, heat indices can be expected in the 106-110 range this afternoon. That will be with some clouds from a decaying complex of storms to our north early this morning. This rainfall is expected to die off before bringing us rain, but if it does manage to hold together, it could delay a climb in temperatures for those north of HWY 24. Otherwise, expect mostly sunny skies, and a very high UV.
TONIGHT: Warmth continues overnight, with lows only reaching upper 70s by sunrise Tuesday. Skies are expected to remain mostly clear.
EXTENDED: Tuesday is another ABC17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Day, as we expect more heat and humidity. We may feel as hot as 110 in spots again Tuesday. That is if we can avoid rain. We'll be watching another complex of storms northeast of the region. Given the current forecast, we expect this to miss the region, leaving us just far enough inside the heat dome for a hot and humid day. Some data suggests enough energy and moisture to develop some spotty afternoon storms, but give our heat dome, this will be difficult, and is a very low chance as of now. Wednesday is our next chance for appreciable rainfall, as a cold front is forecast to drop through the region. This will bring widespread rain and thunder. We may need to watch Wednesday for a few strong storms, but the big story here is relief from this heat. It may be slow, but we'll start to feel better in the rain on Wednesday, with highs peaking in the upper 80s to 90s ahead of rain. Then, highs fall into the 70s on Thursday with morning rain chances and afternoon dry time. Friday through Sunday, we have highs forecast in the 70s and low 80s, with sunny skies each day. Humidity should also trend lower in the time frame.
