For those of you that haven't heard, it will be hot this weekend!  There really is no other way to put it.  If you have been waiting for summer-like weather, it is finally here.  Odds are that we will get an actual heat wave this weekend...three straight days or more where temperatures are above 90 degrees.  Please take the proper precautions over the next several days.  Drink plenty of water, wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothes, stay inside in air conditioning if possible, and take plenty of breaks if you have to work outdoors.  If you are fortunate enough to have a pool, take a dip in it over the next week or so because the mercury will be soaring.  Due the increased heat, thanks to a massive sub-tropical ridge and high atmospheric heights at the 500 millibar level, the National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for our area that will last through Monday.

Take notice of the heat warnings that are posted down near the Philadelphia area.  Heat index values will be at or above 100 degrees beginning tomorrow and lasting right through Monday and maybe even into Tuesday.  While a weak disturbance will try and push through here next Wednesday bringing a bit of a cool-down, heights and temperatures rise once again heading into the latter half of next week.  The warm air is here to stay for a while.  The long-wave pattern brings heat and humidity to the eastern half of the United States for the next two weeks or so, while it remains cool and damp in the west.  That means that the middle part of the country will once again be the battleground for severe weather.  Already plagued by numerous tornadoes this season, the cool air clinging to the western half of the country will help produce several more rounds over the next couple of weeks.  Break out the shorts and sunglasses here folks...I'm warning you...it will be HOT!

Join me tomorrow for an all new Questions & Answers segment about tornadoes.  I know you are on the edge of you seat.  If you want your question answered, simply post it below or write me at brettsblog@abc27.com!  I look forward to reading your questions and comments about the weather.  Also, don't forget to join James Crummel and me for abc27 News Saturday Morning tomorrow...see you then!