Weather will be red hot again today but there's relief in the forecast

Friday's high temperature is expected to be 79 degrees.

Here's a number for you to focus on while you're sweating through today's swelter: 79.

That's the projected high temperature for Friday. As way of comparison, at 6:30 this morning, it was 76 degrees outside.

But we'll have to get through a 93-degree day today after a 95-degree day on Tuesday, the National Weather Service and AccuWeather report.

The region will be in a heat advisory through 8 tonight, the weather service reports. Heat indexes could reach 104, the weather service says.

Thunderstorms are expected later today and could feature strong winds, hail, heavy rain and cloud-to-ground lightning, according to the weather service.

You know the drill by now as the fourth heat wave of the season becomes official with the third day in a row above 90 degrees. Drink plenty of water, stay in air conditioning if you can, take plenty of breaks if you are working outside and check regularly on the elderly and pets.