Wednesday's dangerous heat, and Thursday's storm chance

Hello, heat! On this Wednesday we're talking dangerous heat that's prompting advisories and warnings here in the Tennessee Valley. An excessive heat warning is in effect until 7 p.m. for Lewis, Wayne and Hardin counties in Tennessee; and Lauderdale, Colbert and Franklin counties in Alabama. A heat advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. for Lawrence, Giles, Maury, and Marshall counties in Tennessee and Limestone, Lawrence and Morgan counties in Alabama.

Heat indices could get close to the 110-115° range this afternoon. The further west you go, the hotter it will be.

Overall, today will be mostly dry under a partly cloudy sky. Rain chances ramp up tonight.

An approaching cold front will spark off some showers and storms overnight. Rain will not be widespread, but there could be some heavy rain in the thunderstorms that do develop. After the overnight round of rain, chances return in the afternoon, mainly in North Alabama. I wouldn't rule out a pop-up storm in Southern Tennessee Thursday afternoon.

The rain moves on out as quickly as it entered. High pressure will begin to dominate. That means nothing but sunshine for the following days. The lack of rain and clouds will allow temperatures to soar. We're talking triple digits come Sunday and Monday. Humidity levels appear to stay under control, but it will still be dangerously hot outside.