WSIL -- The heat is getting set to crank up again and is likely to bring some of the highest heat indices of the season so far.
Temperatures Thursday morning are still fairly pleasant with a few rural areas even dipping into the upper 50s.
Plenty of sunshine will jumpstart temperatures quickly with afternoon highs in the lower 90s. Humidity will start to creep into parts of the region, mainly southeast Missouri. The range in humidity will lead to quite a difference in heat indices from west to east. The heat index is likely to be near 100º in Poplar Bluff, but only in the lower 90s in Harrisburg and Shawneetown.
As a cold front approaches from the north Friday, heat and humidity really ramps up. Temperatures are likely to peak in the mid 90s, but the heat index will be between 100 and 105 degrees. Outdoor chores or activities should be limited during the heat of the day. Be sure to check on eldery and ensure pets have plenty of water and a place to stay out of the sun.
The cold front? It's looking more likely that it's not going to quite get here for the weekend. A few showers and storms are possible as it approaches Friday night into Saturday morning, but as it then lifts north, the storm chances will decrease.
Relief from the heat may have to wait until next week as the cold front finally sweeps through Monday.
