We have one more really hot day on Friday, with heat indices well in excess of 105° expected one more time in the afternoon. A few 110° readings won’t be ruled out, either, and it’s possible another Heat Advisory will be needed as air temperatures head into the upper 90s.

Scattered afternoon thunderstorms will again figure into the forecast, and one or two of them could produce damaging downburst winds. There is a risk for more organized severe weather moving down the Savannah River Friday night. The degree to which we experience this will be largely determined by the position of the subtropical ridge, which should retrograde a little more westward by tomorrow evening, keeping the main threat to our southwest. We’ll watch it, though.

Heading into Saturday and Sunday, troughing combined with a weak front stalling out nearby will keep afternoon shower and thunderstorm chances in vogue. Temperatures won’t be quite as scorching as we’ve seen, though, with highs topping out only in the low 90s thanks to the lower heights aloft. This is closer to normal for this point in the year. Heat indices, however, will still run above 100° each afternoon, and could make a run for 105° on Saturday. Stay cool if you’re spending time outdoors, and be ready to bring outdoor activities inside in case thunderstorms threaten.

Thursday is going to be another hot day across the area. Expect to start the day just barely below 80° inland and likely a couple degrees above it closer to the coast. We’ll warm back into the mid-90s during the day, and with dewpoints not mixing out quite as much — expect them to hang around in the mid-70s — we should see heat indices peak around 110° or so in the afternoon. This is certainly well into the danger zone for heat illness, so please do take it easy if you must be outside. There’s no Heat Advisory as of this writing, but don’t be surprised if one is issued by morning.

Attention then turns to the potential for showers and thunderstorms to move into the area in the afternoon and evening courtesy of a disturbance rounding a retreating ridge of high pressure. Most of these storms should be efficient rainfall and lightning producers, and a few of these storms could be on the strong side with damaging wind gusts the main concern. Hail can’t be ruled out, either. Stay alert to rapidly changing conditions as we get into tomorrow afternoon and evening, and don’t be surprised if there are evening commute impacts.

Fortunately, wildfire smoke will play much less of a role in Thursday’s weather as it continues to disperse southward.