Think it’s been hot lately? The burners get turned up a notch higher today in Lawrence.

“We’re heading up for a high of 99 degrees today,” said Jennifer Schack, 6News meteorologist. “The heat returns.”

A line of showers came Tuesday through Douglas County, bringing about a quarter of an inch of rainfall and holding down temperatures to near average conditions. Tuesday’s high climbed to only 88 by about 7 p.m..

But the heat makes a comeback today,

“It’s a very hot afternoon, as our clouds thin out,” Schack. Winds will be out of the south, 10 to 20 mph, gusting as high as 35 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

At 8:15 a.m., the temperature was 77, with southeast winds at 7 mph and a humidity of 74 percent, making the heat index 80 degrees. Although the temperatures hit the upper 90s today, no records will be set today, Schack said. The average temperature for today’s date is 88. The record high of 107 was set in 1934

Overnight, the clouds roll and there’s a chance for some strong thunderstorms in northeastern Kansas, Schack said

“We do have a slight risk for severe weather,” she said.

The National Weather Service says there’s a 40 percent chance for showers and thunderstorms overnight, with a 30 percent chance before noon Thursday.

“The threat for thunderstorms should end as we go through the day on Thursday,” Schack said.

Overnight, the temperature will fall to a low of 72 by early Thursday morning, Schack said. Thursday’s high will reach 89, with northerly winds, 8 to 15 mph.

Friday’s morning low will start out at 65, with the high climbing to 87 under mostly sunny skies.