After enjoying cooler temperatures throughout the majority of the month, August is going out with a bang.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures throughout August stayed primarily in the high 70’s and low 80’s. However, as the month neared its end, temperatures shot up into the high 80’s with humidity levels that brought the heat index near or above 90 degrees.

According to a statement released by the NWS (click here), as of early this afternoon, with temperatures rising near or above 90 degrees combine with dewpoints in the 70’s, heat index values will top out at between 100 and 105 degrees this afternoon as temperatures continue to rise a few more degrees.

The NWS recommends that hot weather safety precautions be taken for those spending prolonged periods of time outdoors. In addition, the NWS states that due to a hot and humid airmass in place ahead of a cold front pushing southward, the area will likely experience a broken line of thunderstorms late this afternoon into the evening.

“Strong instability could allow for a few of the most intense storms to become severe and produce damaging wind gusts and large hail,” stated NWS. “As well as frequent cloud to ground lightening and torrential downpours. Be alert for the possibility of severe weather later today into this evening.”

In addition to tonight’s forecast, the NWS predicts that there is a chance of thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and again Sunday evening though no severe weather is expected at this time.

Temperatures over the next few days are expected to remain on the warmer side until Monday. According to the NWS forecast, Saturday’s high is 87 degrees with a slight chance of showers before 7 a.m. and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. with a 30 percent chance of precipitation.

Sunday’s weather is reported to have a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9 p.m. and a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 9 p.m. Sunday is projected to have a high of 87 degrees.

Monday’s temperatures report a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9 a.m. with a high of 78 degrees.

For a the full, 7-day forecast click here.