Temps could reach 100 degrees Thursday; relief by the weekend

WASHINGTON - Tired of this hot and muggy weather? We'll get some relief by the weekend - but in the meantime - the heat just keeps on cranking! In fact, Thursday will be the hottest day so far this year in the District with near-record temperatures possible.

Where's all of this heat coming from? High pressure is centered off the Atlantic coast near Bermuda, which meteorologists often call a 'Bermuda High.' A 'Bermuda High' causes winds to blow from the south on the East Coast, which kicks a ton of hot and muggy air towards the D.C. area.

With this setup in place, temperatures will soar Thursday afternoon to the upper 90's, with some areas possibly reaching 100°! Because of this, the National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory for most of the D.C. metro area, which is in effect from noon until 8 p.m. Thursday. Counties in orange are under the Heat Advisory, which means that temperatures will feel like they're over 100°with the humidity.

Let's time out when some of the worst heat will arrive. By 4 p.m. this afternoon, it'll feel like 102° in Washington and a scorching 105° in Fredericksburg!

The heat today also has potential to tie records. The records in place for today are 100° at Reagan National, 99° at BWI, and 97° at Dulles. Right now, we are forecasting temperatures just below the records, but they're within enough reach that they could possibly be tied.

We'll have another really hot day Friday with temperatures in the mid 90's, but relief comes our way just in time for the weekend! A cold front will sweep through the region late Friday night, and ahead of it will be a good chance for scattered thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon. Some of the storms could be strong to severe, with the main activity taking place after 1 p.m. tomorrow afternoon. The main risks with tomorrow's storms will be strong winds and heavy rain, so it's a good idea to pack some rain gear before you head to work tomorrow morning. After the cold front rolls through tomorrow night, it'll be much more comfortable for the weekend with temperatures in the upper 80's and low 90's with low humidity!

Remember to stay safe in the heat! The National Weather Service reminds us that it's a good idea to know the symptoms of heat related illness - so keep that in mind before heading outdoors. Drink plenty of fluids and find some fun ways to beat the heat, like heading to the movies or relaxing by the pool!