When Will Ohio's Early July Heat Wave End?

CLEVELAND — Independence Day brought the familiar sizzle and boom of fireworks and the muggy, humid heat of mid-summer.

When the smell of gunpowder faded, the oppressive heat remained, but for how long?

According to current forecasts, Northeast Ohio can expect temperatures to remain in the low 90s through at least Wednesday. Thunderstorms are likely to form Wednesday afternoon, bringing relieving precipitation to the region.

Rain could begin falling as soon as Tuesday night, though showers are more likely on Wednesday afternoon and evening. The storms will gradually bring the temperature down, with high in the low to mid-80s expected on Thursday, and highs in the upper 70s predicted for Friday and Saturday.

For those looking to escape the July heat, Lake Erie offers a cool respite. Water temperatures have been slowly climbing in the lake and the average daily temperature in Lake Erie is now 69 degrees, the National Weather Service said.