A prolonged stretch of hot summer weather is expected across the region through early next week, with temperatures reaching 100 degrees on Wednesday and remaining in the mid to upper 90s for several days, according to the National Weather Service.

The hottest day of the forecast will be Wednesday, when sunny skies and a high near 100 degrees are expected. Winds will remain light, becoming northeast around 5 mph during the afternoon.

While a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms returns on Saturday, little relief from the heat is expected.

Extended Forecast

Wednesday: Sunny and hot with a high near 100°. Calm winds becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Mostly clear overnight with a low around 77°.

Thursday: Sunny and hot with a high near 95°. Mostly clear Thursday night with a low around 75°.

Friday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high near 96°. Partly cloudy Friday night with a low around 75°.

Saturday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise, mostly sunny and hot with a high near 95°. Partly cloudy

Saturday night with a low around 76°.

Sunday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high near 96°. Mostly clear Sunday night with a low around 76°.

Monday: Sunny and hot with a high near 97°.

The National Weather Service encourages residents to take extra precautions during this extended period of heat by:

Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated.

Limiting strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.

Wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Taking frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas.

Checking on elderly neighbors, young children, and others who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Never leaving children or pets unattended inside a vehicle, where temperatures can become deadly within minutes.

With only a slight chance of rain in the forecast, hot and mostly dry conditions are expected to persist well into the beginning of next wee

---