Hot, humid weather and storms are in the extended forecast for Milwaukee

Peak summer weather is in full swing in Milwaukee.

The forecast for the upcoming week features hot, humid temperatures and a chance of showers and thunderstorms every day through Friday. High temperatures in the mid to upper 80s are expected throughout the week and will likely feel hotter thanks to dewpoints in the 70s.

A ridge , or elongated area of relatively high atmospheric pressure, over the western United States is to blame for the hot and humid weather, said Milwaukee-Sullivan National Weather Service meteorologist Aidan Kuroski.

"The best way to describe a ridge is like a giant bubble over the western United States," he explained. "Then, there are these little ripples in the northern side of the bubble, and those ripples are known as shortwaves . Those seem to impact our area every day this upcoming week."

Humid days in the 80s are expected in Milwaukee this week

High temperatures in the low to mid-80s are in the forecast for Monday and Tuesday, with nighttime lows near 70 degrees. However, dewpoints in the 60s and 70s will make things feel warmer, especially Monday afternoon, which could feel close to 90 degrees between 1 and 6 p.m.

Things will heat up to the upper 80s on Tuesday and Wednesday and will remain humid. Wednesday could potentially feel as hot as the mid-90s, especially further from Lake Michigan, Kuroski said. High temperatures in the mid-80s are expected through at least Saturday. The ridge will weaken early next week, bringing temps back into the 70s.

Storms are possible every day this week in Milwaukee

The hot and humid weather will create a favorable environment for storms throughout the week. Beginning Sunday around 11 a.m., there is a chance for showers and thunderstorms each day through at least Friday. On Sunday, showers and thunderstorms are possible after 1 p.m., with chances most likely between 4 and 9 p.m.

Precipitation chances are highest this week on Monday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service . Chances are lower, but not zero, throughout the day Tuesday after about 6 a.m. However, due to expected wind shear ― a change in wind speed and/or direction over a short distance that can fuel storms ― if it does storm on Tuesday it will likely be strong, Kuroski said.

The best chance for severe storms or tornadoes is Wednesday through much of the day on Thursday, he continued. This is due to a cold front expected to come down from Canada on Wednesday night.

Hot weather safety tips

Hot weather can cause heat-related illness and even death. The Milwaukee Health Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer these hot weather safety tips:

• Slow down and limit physical activity.
• Spend time in air-conditioned spaces such as shopping malls, movie theaters or libraries.
• Don't leave kids or pets in a parked car. Temperatures can become life-threatening within minutes.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.
• Take cool baths or showers. Use wet towels on your skin to cool down.
• Don't rely on fans as primary cooling devices.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid consuming caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can increase heat effects.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Hot, humid weather and storms are in the extended forecast for Milwaukee