We won’t get a break from the intense heat from the Fourth of July weekend.

Paul Walker, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather, said a few more scorchers appear to be in the forecast this week.

For as hot as it’s been, today could prove to be even balmier, Walker said.

While temperatures are expected to hit 90, Walker said it will likely feel much warmer than that.

“With the combination of warmth and humidity, today we could have real-feel temperatures near the 100-degree mark across parts of the area,” Walker said.

Walker said while spotty, the excessive heat could produce strong thunderstorms this afternoon, with a low of 66.

If that isn’t enough, Walker said Tuesday and Wednesday figure to be even more humid, with another chance of thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon and evening with a low of 70, and a high Wednesday around 86, again with spotty showers and thunderstorms especially during the afternoon hours and a low of 67.

And while we could get a break from the storms come Thursday, the temperature could reach the upper 90s, Walker said.

“What we’ll notice is even though we’re not in the 90s tomorrow and Wednesday, with it being more humid, the temperatures will feel like the mid 90s (both days),” he said.

Does that mean we’ll approach a heat wave?

“My heat wave definition is three or more days of 90 degrees,” he said. “It’s right on the edge.”

Therefore, Walker said it’s imperative that people take the proper precautions to deal with the excessive heat.

“To drink plenty of water, try to stay away from alcoholic beverages; it dehydrates you,” he said. “Limit your time spent outdoors if you can, or certainly if you are outdoors take frequent breaks.”

Walker explained the circumstances that have led up to the balmy weather.

“We’ve been relatively dry; since the beginning of June, we’ve only had about 59 percent of normal in June through the first five days of July in terms of rain,” he said. “The ground dries out, and that leads to warmer temperatures.”

However, Walker said it will be a little warmer than normal, but this week’s temperatures are common this time of year.

“It’s very typical for this time of year,” he said. “This certainly isn’t anything as far as challenging heat as far as what records are or anything.”

Walker then gave his long range forecast as we look out to August.

“We’re looking for precipitation to be near normal,” he said. “Temperature wise, we’re looking at temperatures to be above normal for the rest of July and through August.”