As Friday’s heat index in Lawrence holds steady in the triple digits, the National Weather Service in Topeka says the hot weather likely will continue through the weekend.

As of 2:30 p.m., the mercury reached 95 degrees in town and the heat index hit 111 degrees, said NWS Meteorologist Jennifer Bowen.

“That’s why we have a heat warning through 9 p.m.,” Bowen said. “It will probably stay over 100 degrees through the evening — we’re not cooling off and the winds aren’t very strong at all.”

Saturday and Sunday’s temperatures will look fairly similar, although the heat index will be relatively lower, Bowen said. Temperatures in the mid 90s can be expected both days, with the heat index reaching around 105 degrees, she said.

Much of the heat can be blamed on a high pressure system hovering over Lawrence and stagnant winds too weak to push the system out, Bowen said.