Residents can expect hot and humid conditions to settle into the area Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures approaching 90 degrees and heat index values nearing 100 degrees.

Wednesday will be partly sunny with a chance of scattered thunderstorms. Forecasters say a few storms could become strong, especially during the evening hours. Rising humidity levels will make conditions feel significantly hotter than the actual air temperature.

Similar weather is expected Thursday, with highs near 88 degrees and heat index values reaching the mid-90s. The threat for strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to increase late Thursday night as a cold front moves through the region.

The cold front is expected to bring relief from the heat and humidity. Rain chances and muggy conditions should begin decreasing Friday afternoon, with cooler and more comfortable weather expected to continue into the weekend.