BLOG: Not Cooling Down

Yesterday's cold front has come and gone, but it's not going to cool things down much. We are already starting the day in the 70s, and heading right back up to the mid 90s. However, the heat and humidity/dewpoints are only going to intensify the second half of the week.

The record heat that has been broiling the middle of the country is moving our way. With the front moving through yesterday, it kept the even more intense heat locked up to our west. But now that this front is moving away, the door is open for that heat to surge eastward. An excessive heat watch goes into effect starting tomorrow and will likely be extended right into the weekend. Highs will climb to the upper 90s tomorrow, then possibly top out near 100 degrees Friday and Saturday. When you factor in the high humidity/dewpoints, it will add another 5-10 degrees to the actual air temperatures.

A new cold front will pass north of the state Friday and Saturday. There could be a late-day thunderstorm out ahead of the front Friday and then a few scattered thunderstorms are possible on Saturday. This front will move away Sunday just as another one follows it on Monday.

The Monday front will mean a little more business. It will bring us a better chance of thunderstorms, and also a brief break from the heat. Highs may not hit the triple digits Sunday and Monday, but they will still be in the 90s. Behind Monday's front, temperatures will drop before a new round of heat builds again late next week.

Remember to be smart in this kind of heat. Take it slowly, take breaks, stay hydrated, and check on those who may need an extra hand like kids, the elderly, and pets.

In the tropics...

Bret is still churning as a tropical storm in the Atlantic with winds of 50 mph, but it is also still moving away from the East Coast. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring another tropical wave farther out for possible development.