Major League Heat Returns...

We've enjoyed a couple of pleasant summer days with afternoon temperatures in the 80s, but that's going to change. The big time heat is about to return, as high pressure settles along the East Coast. A building ridge in the upper atmosphere will set the stage for temperatures well into the 90s, flirting with the century mark and potentially giving us a new record high on Monday.

Tomorrow will be a sunny one, with afternoon highs in the mid and upper 90s. The heat index, which considers the combination of temperature and humidity, should reach up to around 101 degrees. Monday will likely be the hottest day, with the best shot at reaching a record high at RIC Airport. A west wind coming down the mountains should enable temperatures to soar up near the 100-degree mark during the afternoon (with a heat index around 106-107 degrees). A typical developing lee-side trough could spark an isolated afternoon thunderstorm, but the chances are very low.

We'll remain in a general westerly flow on Tuesday, but a slowly approaching front will bring a slightly higher threat for scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures will still reach the mid and upper 90s, but the extreme heat should eventually let up a bit on Wednesday. As the upper ridge flattens and the front settles over the region, we'll see our scattered shower and thunderstorm chances increase Wednesday through Friday.

Here are the record highs at RIC Airport the next few days:
Sunday: 101 degrees, set in 1930
Monday: 100 degrees, set in 1900
Tuesday: 102 degrees, set in 1900

Be sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and avoid long periods outside in the hot sun. Bring all pets inside and keep an eye on the elderly.