News photo by Josh Jambor Families cooled off Tuesday at the Starlight Beach splash park in Alpena as temperatures climbed into the 90s with heat index values in the triple digits. The weather is expected to remain hot through the weekend, but storms are possible.

ALPENA – Hot temperatures climbing into the 90s with heat index values reaching the near 100s will dominate the Alpena area through Thursday and although the weather is supposed to cool some, it is expected to be hot through the holiday weekend.

A weather system could bring showers and possibly a thunderstorm for the Fourth of July, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Gaylord.

A Heat Advisory highlights the dangerous conditions, with little overnight relief as lows remain in the mid 70s.

NWS Meteorologist Eleanor Delizio said the heat is the primary concern residents should focus on in the short term.

“We will have the heat the next couple of days, that’s definitely the main weather story through Thursday,” Delizio said. “For the next couple days our current projections call for temperatures to hit the 90s.”

Friday may bring a slight cooldown, but it is still too early to predict what the weather system moving into the area will produce.

“Friday the temperatures could dip slightly with areas near the lake seeing highs in the 80s with a few inland locations seeing temperatures in the 90s,” Delizio said. “The weather over the next couple of days will have downstream effects on the forecast for the weekend.”

That weather system could bring showers and possibly a thunderstorm, however, timing will determine whether warm humid air lingers, or cooler conditions arrive.

“For the Fourth of July we could get a weather system that produces showers and thunderstorms but that is subject to change depending on the timing of the system,” Delizio explained. “That system could hang out a little bit longer and we could keep this warm humid air longer, or it could roll through and the temperatures might cool down to the high 70s, low 80s.”

The forecast sets the stage for memorable Independence Day outdoor activities in the Alpena area, such as boating on Lake Huron, park picnics, breakwall visits and fireworks. With proper planning, and fingers crossed the precipitation holds off, residents and visitors can still enjoy those classic celebrations despite the heat.

Delizio offered advice for staying safe in the heat, especially for vulnerable groups.

“Try to stay out of those really harsh conditions, avoid direct sunlight, take water breaks and cool off in an air-conditioned area, if possible,” Delizio advised. “Be cognizant that long periods of time spent in really intense heat are not good, do not overexert yourself and keep an eye on those that are the most vulnerable to intense heat such as the elderly and young children.”

People without reliable air-conditioning and outdoor workers in tourism, construction or agriculture face heightened risks, as high humidity impairs the body’s cooling. Residents should monitor the latest forecasts from the NWS Gaylord office or local sources and prepare flexible plans for both extreme heat and sudden weather shifts.

Tips courtesy of the American Red Cross to stay cool:

Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible.

If your home does not have air conditioning, go to your predesignated cool location.

Wear lightweight, loose clothing and take cool showers or baths.

Limit your outdoor activity. If you must work outdoors, schedule tasks earlier or later in the day.