Alert: Extreme heat watch will be in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday evening.

This evening is nice - warm and a little humid - under a partly cloudy sky after a nice and warm day today.

Tonight will be partly cloudy and pleasant, with overnight lows settling into the 60s. Sunshine returns on Tuesday with another warm summer day ahead. High temperatures will climb into the 80s, and while much of the day stays dry, there is a chance for a shower or thunderstorm Tuesday night as a weak disturbance moves through.

Then the heat really begins to build. An Excessive Heat Watch is in effect from Wednesday at noon through Friday at 9 p.m. Dangerous heat will overspread the region, with afternoon temperatures soaring into the 90s and heat index values potentially reaching as high as 110 degrees. Wednesday will feature a mix of sun and clouds along with the threat of a late-day pop-up shower or thunderstorm, but the biggest story will be the dangerous heat and humidity.

The hot weather continues Thursday and Friday with highs once again in the 90s and feels-like temperatures well into the 100s. Each afternoon will bring just a slight chance of an isolated shower or thunderstorm, but many areas will remain dry. Looking ahead to the Fourth of July, the forecast is encouraging. It appears mainly dry with hot temperatures continuing in the 90s, although an isolated afternoon pop-up shower or thunderstorm can't be ruled out. If you'll be spending time outdoors later this week, be sure to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. Don't forget about Pets. Keep them safe indoors in the AC or cool them off in a kiddie pool.