This week's weather features two distinct halves, separated by a southward slipping cool front that will cross the region on Wednesday afternoon and evening, marking the transition between the heat and humidity that marks the first half of the week with a cooler, less humid second half.

First, the heat. Monday through Wednesday will feature temperatures in the 90s, lows in the 70s, with humidity slowly ratcheting higher each afternoon. The most oppressive days of the coming week appear to be Tuesday and Wednesday, with heat index values (what it feels like when heat and humidity are factored together) flirting with or nudging past the 100 degree mark at the peak of heat each afternoon.  

We could have a couple of flies in the ointment in the form of isolated or scattered thunderstorms on Monday and Tuesday afternoon; however, the region appears to be more dry than not through Tuesday.

The transition between heat and relief is on Wednesday afternoon, with the potential for a strong round of thunderstorms to cross the region.  Thunderstorms could produce heavy rainfall and gusty winds as they cross the region Wednesday afternoon and evening.  

After Wednesday, temperatures return to more "typical" July levels: mid- and upper 80s for highs, 60s for lows. Humidity levels will also drop a good bit as well, leaving the end of the week a much more pleasent experience than what we're going to deal with over the next couple of days.

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Tom Thunstrom is the editor and publisher of Phillyweather.net. You can also follow Phillyweather.net on twitter @phillywx or on Facebook.