Forecast: The Heat is Here, Humidity Coming

P.M. t'storms possible this weekend

A mid-summer sun will heat us up today, though humidity levels will remain tolerable. Regrettably, the humidity builds Friday and reaches tropical levels over the weekend. By Sunday, heat indices may near 100. Yuck! Watch out, the hot and sticky air over the weekend could trigger scattered late day thunderstorms.

TODAY (THURSDAY)

Mostly sunny and hot. Mid 90s. With abundant sunshine expected throughout the day courtesy of high pressure, temperatures will spike into the mid 90s during the afternoon in most locations. Luckily, humidity levels will largely be in check and the chance for thunderstorms is very low.

Tonight will feature mostly clear skies with overnight lows ranging from the upper 60s across the north and west suburbs to the low 70s downtown.

Keep reading for the forecast through the beginning of next week.

TOMORROW (FRIDAY)

Mostly sunny and hot. Low to mid 90s. If you're planning for Friday, it will feature weather very similar to today's. Expect mostly sunny skies with hot afternoon highs in the low to mid 90s. With winds starting to come from the south, you'll notice more in the way of humidity but it won't be as bad as what's to come (for the weekend).

It will be partly cloudy and rather muggy Friday night with overnight low eventually dropping to the low to mid 70s.

A LOOK AHEAD

On Saturday you can expect partly to mostly cloudy skies, stifling humidity levels and highs near 90. Heavy, gusty afternoon or evening thunderstorms are certainly a possibility. Very humid and warm Saturday night with a stray shower or thunderstorm and lows in the mid 70s. Confidence: Medium

More of the same appears likely on Sunday, with partly to mostly cloudy skies, oppressive humidity levels and scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Afternoon highs in the low 90s coupled with high humidity levels will produce heat indices near 100 at times. Confidence: Medium

The forecast for Monday is somewhat uncertain due to the timing of an approaching cold front. We'll call for continued hot and humid conditions along with partly sunny skies and a 50/50 shot at showers and thunderstorms. Highs should once again be in the low 90s. Confidence: Low-medium