Heat index could reach 97 today; showers, thunderstorms possible later

After 5 p.m. Friday and overnight, there is a slight risk of severe storms in Wyandotte County. Risks include flash flooding, damaging winds and hail. (National Weather Service graphic)

After a hot day, with temperatures in the 90s and a heat index that could reach 97, there will be a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. tonight, with more storms possible overnight and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

Severe thunderstorms are possible this evening into the early morning hours Saturday, the weather service said.

The chance for severe storms will be greater to areas north of I-70, according to the weather service.

Large hail, damaging winds and heavy rain that could cause minor flooding are the primary hazards, the weather service said.

Off-and-on thunderstorm chances will persist through the weekend, when the threat of severe weather will be low, according to the weather service.

Today, it will be sunny with a high near 93, and the heat index could rise as high as 97, the weather service said. There will be a 10 percent chance of storms and showers after 5 p.m. A south southwest wind will be from 9 to 14 mph, gusting as high as 24 mph.

Tonight, there is a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 a.m., according to the weather service. The low will be around 72 with a southwest wind of 9 to 13 mph, gusting as high as 20 mph. New rainfall amounts will be between a quarter and half-inch.

Saturday, there is a 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m., the weather service said. The high will be near 86 with a south southwest wind of 8 to 11 mph. Between a tenth and quarter-inch of rain is possible.

Saturday night, there is a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low of 73, according to the weather service. A calm wind will become south around 6 mph after midnight. Between a half and three-quarters of an inch of rain is possible.

Sunday, there will be a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 92, the weather service said. The high will be near 92 with a south wind of 6 to 10 mph, gusting as high as 24 mph.

Sunday night, it will be mostly cloudy, with a low of 74, according to the weather service.

Monday, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m., with a high near 91, the weather service said.

Monday night, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m., with a low of 73, according to the weather service.

Tuesday, there is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 92, the weather service said.

Tuesday night, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low of 72, according to the weather service.

Wednesday, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 92, the weather service said.

Wednesday night, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low of 70, according to the weather service.

Thursday, there is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 90, the weather service said.