Summer officially arrives at 6:09 p.m., but it feels like it's been here for days in Chicago.
Highs in the mid-90s mark the last day of a three-day area heat wave. Like Monday and Tuesday, heat index readings could push 100 degrees and gusty winds could reach 30 mph.
Moderate humidity levels accompany the heat along with abundant sunshine and only a few puffy clouds. For the third day in a row afternoon temperatures will reach the mid-90s.
Relief is in sight, though.
A few overnight showers and isolated thunderstorms should cool off warm nighttime temperatures, pushing them to the upper 70s along the lake. Showers are expected to continue into Thursday morning and keep temps in check.
NBC Chicago meteorologist Andy Avalos predicts clouds will break in the afternoon for more sun, but afternoon temps drop into the low- to mid-80s with much lower humidity.
