SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Tuesday afternoon was hot and humid with a few showers and storms. Most locations missed out on any rainfall today.

Inland areas such as Bulloch, Evans, Tattnall, Long and Wayne County had some brief downpours.

Temperatures climbed into the mid to upper 90s, with heat index figures even higher. For the upcoming days, the heat will take center stage in the weather, as chances for rain and storms stay minimal.

A LOOK AHEAD

On Wednesday, afternoon temperatures will reach the low to mid 90s in most areas, with some inland regions potentially rising to the upper 90s. Heat index readings could exceed 105°F at times.

Between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., there is a possibility of isolated showers and storms. Initially, storms will form along the coast with the sea breeze and progress inland towards I-95 by early evening.

This weather pattern is expected to persist through Thursday and into the weekend, with minimal storm chances and hot afternoons. Each afternoon, heat index values will consistently surpass 105°F.

Be sure to stay cool and hydrated while taking plenty of breaks in the air conditioning or shade.

TRACKING THE TROPICS

Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Erin in the eastern Atlantic. As of 5 p.m., Erin remains a minimal tropical storm, boasting sustained winds of 45 mph and gusts reaching 60 mph.

Erin is projected to organize better and strengthen over the coming days. It might develop into the season’s first hurricane later this week, and possibly escalate to a major hurricane (Category 3 or above) over the weekend.

Erin is expected to continue a westward track over the next five to six days, before beginning to make a turn to the north over the weekend once north of Puerto Rico. An upper-level high will help steer Erin west this week.

Over the weekend and next week, we will be watching how strong the high stays and the timing with a trough of low pressure that will help to steer it northward away from the east coast of the U.S.

High surf and rip currents are possible along the east coast of the U.S. next week from Erin. There is no other direct threat at this time.

The NHC also is watching two other topical waves for potential development over the next week.

A weak wave has developed in the western Caribbean Sea and is moving toward the Yucatan Peninsula. It has a low (20%) chance of becoming a tropical depression or tropical storm over the next 5-7 days.

This tropical wave is forecast to move into the Bay of Campeche later this week. There is no threat to the U.S. from this system now.

A second tropical wave is located south of Nova Scotia now. It also has a low (10%) chance of development. This system poses no threat to the U.S. regardless of development.