According to the National Weather Service, this week is going to climb into the high 80s and high 90s by Thursday, with surprisingly high heat indexes. Matt Gillen, a National Weather Service Meteorologist, explained that humidity is a driving factor for these high temps.

“I think the warmest days this week are going to be both Wednesday and Thursday,” Gillen said. “Thursday’s going to be the peak of it, but Wednesday … highs in the upper 80s, with the heat index in the lower 90s during the day Wednesday for the Alpena area.”

Gillen said that the humidity levels between Wednesday and Thursday are going to be higher than what is normal for Northern Michigan.

“Increasing humidity through that time frame, which tends to be on the oppressive level for Northern Michigan standards,” Gillen said.

News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz On Monday, Isaac Haas is seen at Starlite Beach. Haas said that he was building a shark.

For Thursday, Gillen explained for all of Northeast Lower Michigan, temperatures will reach the low to mid-90s for air temperatures. However, the heat index will likely rise to the low 100s, influenced by rising humidity levels in the region.

Gillen stated that this type of heat wave is uncommon for Northern Michigan, but can happen at any time. He also explained that if temperatures rise as high as they are predicted to on Thursday, the National Weather Service will likely issue a heat advisory.

“It’s certainly not common, but can happen in any given year,” Gillen said. “You know, the low 100s would put us into heat advisory territory.”

Gillen explained that heat advisory territory depends on heat index.

“Our criteria here in Northern Michigan is a heat index of 100 degrees or higher,” Gillen said. “So that’s sort of your ‘feels like temperature’ of 100 or more … we’re going to be flirting close to that on Thursday across parts of Northeast Lower, especially east of I-75, including the Alpena area.”

According to Gillen, levels of humidity greatly impact the heat index.

“The higher the humidity, or the higher the dew point temperature, which is basically just a measure of moisture in the atmosphere,” Gillen said. “The higher that value, the higher your heat index will be.”

Northeast Michigan is expected to experience thunderstorms on Thursday afternoon, according to Gillen.

“I think the best chance for storms comes during the afternoon into the evening hours, some potentially heavy rain and some stronger storms not ruled out, just given the heat and humidity,” Gillen said.

Gillen said that with high temperatures that are expected mid-week, it is important for individuals to consider how long they spend outside and not to overdo strenuous activity.

“I think the main takeaway for Thursday is to limit the strenuous outdoor activity,” Gillen said. “Be sure to stay hydrated if you’re outdoors, working outside like that.”

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.