IT'S THE MOST SULTRY TIME OF THE YEAR....

From a statistical and historical perspective the next 10 days are the hottest of the year. It makes sense considering the suns most direct rays and peak energy is entering the Midwest's atmosphere. So is it possible we'll see the summers hottest temperatures?

Well, so far I haven't witnessed anything in my crystal ball that indicates that. However, the Climate Prediction Center does show strong chances of above normal readings during much of the period.

The next round of heat and steam is expected to be in here just in time for the 4th of July. While the temperatures won't be out of line for July it will be hot. Highs should be around 90 over much of the central Midwest.

Even worse, dew points are expected to reach into the mid 70s across much of the region. That would send heat index values over 100. Here's the dew points forecast for the 4th of July.

That leads to heat index values that would look like this. Some in central Iowa as high as 106.

The bottom line is that it won't be 100...or even the hottest day of the year. However, when you factor in the humidity, it's going to feel plenty steamy and summery. On the bright side, you don't have to shovel it and this round of heat will only last a couple of days! Roll weather...TS