A heat wave to start this week, but then cooler and...rain?

Saturday's highs in the mid- and upper 80s pale in comparison to what can be expected during the first half of this week. The mid-90s will take charge starting today - Sunday - and last through Wednesday. A summer-like Bermuda High is setting up over the Atlantic, pumping in the heat via southerly winds.

This heat wave could be impactful, especially since a good part of May has featured cooler than average weather. Taking plenty of breaks, drinking lots of liquids, and staying out of the sun as much as possible are all heat tips which should be heeded. However, there is relief on the horizon.

A cold front will approach the region, bringing clouds and rain as soon as Wednesday night. The boundary will stall nearby, keeping things cooler and wetter. The rain could be heavy at times (right panel below), which is good news given the worsening drought situation (left panel). 

The clouds and rain will also bring relief to the heat, with daily high temperatures dropping considerably by Thursday.

The "bad" news is that Memorial Day weekend looks to be cool and wet. But that's not a bad thing given how much the rain is needed.