Enhanced risk of severe storms Wednesday, then heat settles in

The carousel of almost daily thunderstorms continues through midweek with yet another round of possibly severe storms building on Wednesday.

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are forecast today, mainly across western Kentucky and southwest Indiana. Severe weather is not anticipated, but our continuing pattern of locally heavy rain and lightning are expected today.

The National Weather Service says tomorrow will include an enhanced (level 3 out of 5) risk of severe storms for southern Illinois late Wednesday, and a slight (level 2 out of 5) risk for most of western Kentucky.

The risk of scattered to numerous severe thunderstorms continues to increase for late Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night. Damaging 60-to-70 mile-pher-hour winds and large hail of an inch or larger are possible. A tornado can't be ruled out.

A slight chance of showers will linger on Thursday with a high of 87.

The hottest temperatures and heat index values of the season will arrive this weekend and continue into next week. Daily highs of 94 and peak heat index values of 100 to 105 degrees are forecast Saturday, Sunday and Monday.