We’re in the middle of the “Dog Days of Summer” and our temperatures are rising faster than a Labrador chasing a squirrel. We’ll be near 100 degrees for the next few days – at least through the weekend – with heat index values going towards 110.

According to the National Weather Service in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, the Dog Days of Summer run from July 3rd through August 11th. The dog days date back to the ancient Greeks and Roman when people would keep track of the seasons by looking at the stars. The star Sirius was known as the “dog star” because it made up the nose of a constellation shaped like a dog.

The good news is the tropical threat has cooled down for now. Although we had three systems in the Atlantic being monitored by the National Hurricane Center Wednesday, there is now only one system – the system off the coast of Africa – with a very slight chance of developing into more than a disturbance within the next few days.

North Alabama

Mostly sunny with a high of 96 and heat index of 100. Mostly clear Thursday night with a low of 74.

Central Alabama

Sunny with a high of 98. A slight chance of an isolated shower or thunderstorm in the afternoon. Mostly clear overnight with a low of 74.

South Alabama

Fog early, then sunny with a high of 97. Mostly clear Thursday night with a low of 74.

Gulf Coast

Sunny with a high near 94. An isolated shower or thunderstorm is possible in the afternoon. Mostly clear Thursday night with a low of 73.