Erin likely a hurricane by Friday; Heat Index readings soar

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)- We are tracking a warmer afternoon today. Temperatures are 10-15 degrees warmer than yesterday, with heat index temperatures above 100 degrees.

Tropics: As of 5 PM, Erin remains a tropical storm and is located 800 miles east of the Leeward Islands. The National Hurricane Center expects Erin to be a hurricane by tomorrow morning,

and a major hurricane by Sunday afternoon. Erin will begin to turn north by Monday; however, there is still uncertainty if it will pose a threat to the United States.

A second area of interest (Invest 98-L) is being monitored in the Gulf. This system remains disorganized but has a 40% chance of development over the next 48 hours.

Friday: We are tracking a better chance of rain for your Friday afternoon. Any storms that form will bring a chance of heavy rain tomorrow. Feel-like readings will be over 100 degrees again.

Weekend: The heat will continue to build this weekend, with heat index readings near 105 degrees by Sunday. Isolated storms will still be in the forecast through the weekend.

Next Week: High pressure will slowly return to the forecast next week, helping to dry us out. A few pop-up showers will be possible, but rain coverage will be limited. Temperatures will rise into the mid-90s.