Hot, hot, hot — and muggy — next week

Temperatures will be above average; forecast highs in the mid-90s Wednesday.

It will be uncomfortably hot and muggy for the first part of next week.

Temperatures will be well above average with forecast highs topping out in the mid90s on Wednesday, according to the National Weather

Service in Wilmington.

A wet blanket of humidity will make the heat index above 100, which means it will feel like more than 100 degrees in places for Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Overnight lows don’t provide much relief from the muggy conditions in the lower to middle 70s,” the

NWS said.

Cool conditions remain today, with temperatures just slightly below normal in the upper 70s. There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon into the early evening.

The warmup starts Sunday with the high in the lower to middle 80s.

Monday through at least Wednesday will be sunny with unusually hot and humid conditions a week ahead of the official start to summer.

The first day of the new workweek will be mostly sunny with a high near 88 degrees.

The high continues its trend upward for Tuesday, with a high around 92 degrees.

Wednesday will hotter still, with a high around 93 degrees.

The only relief from the heat could come from any afternoon thunderstorms that develop, the NWS said.

Rain is possible Wednesday night, with a chance for showers and thunderstorms Thursday.—

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention offers these tips for staying cool during hot weather

■ Stay in an air-conditioned indoor area as much as you can

■ Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty

■ Wear loose lightweight, light colored clothing and sunscreen when outdoors

■ Take cool showers or baths to cool down

■ Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you

■ Never leave children or pets in cars