The hottest weekend temperatures in two years -- including back-to-back highs in the 90s -- take hold this weekend, threatening two temperature records. With lows expected to hold to around 80 degrees in the city Saturday night, the 96-year-old record for the warmest Aug. 9 minimum temperature appears in jeopardy; and Sunday's record high of 97 degrees may well be in reach as well. Saturday's predicted 93-degree high is to become the city's first reading above 90 in six weeks. And the combination of the hot daytime air and high humidities (including Gulf Coast-level 70-degree dew points) is likely to produce the first set of triple-digit heat indexes of the summer.
Thunderstorms may rumble in parts of the area into Saturday morning, initially restraining the onset of heat. But, the incoming dome of warmth tightens its grip Saturday, producing warmth so expansive that it is to "cap" or halt thunderstorm development. Storms instead are to flare in waves across Wisconsin and Michigan where three-day rain totals exceeding 3 to 4 inches may occur in the hardest, most frequently hit areas. That region is also threatened by severe storms.
The one wild-card this weekend involves the potential for daytime heat to breach the "cap," allowing thunderstorms to form. Such storms could be formidable, given the moisture and energy available. It appears the best chance for thunderstorms settling into the area occurs Sunday night into Monday when downpours may occur.
Thunderstorms may rumble in parts of the area into Saturday morning, initially restraining the onset of heat. But, the incoming dome of warmth tightens its grip Saturday, producing warmth so expansive that it is to "cap" or halt thunderstorm development. Storms instead are to flare in waves across Wisconsin and Michigan where three-day rain totals exceeding 3 to 4 inches may occur in the hardest, most frequently hit areas. That region is also threatened by severe storms.
The one wild-card this weekend involves the potential for daytime heat to breach the "cap," allowing thunderstorms to form. Such storms could be formidable, given the moisture and energy available. It appears the best chance for thunderstorms settling into the area occurs Sunday night into Monday when downpours may occur.
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