Mostly sunny, hot today; Climbing temperatures expected later this week

ajc.com

It will be hot and dry during the week, the National Weather Service in Wilmington said, before cooler temperatures and a greater chance of rain returns over the weekend.

Today will be mostly sunny and hot, with highs reaching up around 85 degrees. There will be a few more clouds overnight before turning mostly clear with a low around 63 degrees.

Skies will clear again on Wednesday for sunny skies and a high around 90 degrees. Heat index values will reach between 95 and 100 degrees. The combination of heat and humidity will result in heat index values in the middle 90s to lower 100s Wednesday and Friday.

Wednesday night will be warm and mostly clear, with lows only dipping to around 72 degrees.

Thursday will be sunny and hot. Highs will climb to around 95 degrees, and heat index values will reach up to 110 degrees, the NWS predicted. An Excessive Heat Watch will be in effect Thursday afternoon through Thursday evening.

Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities, the NWS said.

It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air- conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances, which is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

It will also be blustery on Thursday, with gusts in the afternoon reaching around 30 mph.

Overnight, it will be mostly clear and very warm, with lows around 74 degrees and a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the night.

About the Author