BLOG: Here Comes The Heat

The record heat that is broiling the middle of the country is moving our way in two different waves. The first one will just put us back in the typical summertime weather around here in July, while the second one will be a little more intense. And it all begins tomorrow.

We topped out at 91 degrees this afternoon, climbing back above the average of 88 degrees. Temperatures are going even higher tomorrow, while the dewpoints/humidity start really kicking it up. Then, a cold front will brush by tomorrow night through Tuesday. There could be a thunderstorm late tomorrow but a better chance for a thunderstorm or two when the front passes through. It will pull out to sea on Wednesday. When it does, it will also start pulling the second round, the more intense round of heat into the Mid-Atlantic.

Highs will jump from the low/mid 90s the next few afternoons, to the mid/upper 90s at the end of the week. We may even be talking near record temperatures by the end of the week. At the same time, the dewpoints/humidity will be very high and bring that heat index to the low 100s. This round of heat will really kick in Thursday and continue into the weekend.

When we get to the second half of the week, these are the times that we really need to play it safe in the heat. Remember to check on your neighbors, elderly, babies and pets. They may need an extra hand in helping to stay cool.

We now have our second tropical system of the year. This time, it's tropical storm Bret.

Bret formed just off the Atlantic coast of southern Florida. Winds are up to 40 mph. It isn't moving much at this time, but is eventually expected to get picked up by the front moving through our area Monday night through Tuesday. That will pick Bret up, and direct it out to sea. At this point, the track keeps it away from the East Coast although a slight change in this path could bring it closer to the U.S. coastline. We will keep you updated.