CONNECTICUT — The heat wave continues on Thursday and Friday, but it appears strong thunderstorms may help break the heat wave in time for the upcoming weekend, according to the latest forecast.

WFSB 3 TV meteorologists said the heat index will make it feel hotter than 100 degrees on Thursday and possibly on Friday.

“As we close out the work week on Friday, a front drops south toward CT and could provide enough forcing for thunderstorms in the afternoon,” WFSB 3 TV meteorologists said. “Given the intense heat and humidity, thus instability in the atmosphere, it will not take much for storms to flare up. Strong storms are possible, and there is even a marginal risk for excessive rainfall…The big question: does our heat wave last 4 days, or 5? The duration is somewhat uncertain given the clouds and rain/storm potential Friday… if we see enough sun, we’ll easily hit/exceed 90; conversely, if storms flare up, temps could peak in the 80s.”

Weekend weather forecast details

“The weekend will remain unseasonably warm, but not *as* hot as what we’re experiencing this week. We’re expecting inland temperatures to top out in the mid-80s Saturday, then upper 80s Sunday; shoreline towns reach 80-85,” WFSB 3 TV meteorologists said. “Overnight temps will again be near 70. Both Saturday and Sunday could also bring some isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon, though the days will be bright otherwise (also continued muggy).” (Read/watch more at WFSB 3 TV).

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph.

Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind 3 to 6 mph.

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82.

Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86.

Here are the forecast details for northern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:

Thursday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night: Isolated showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 10pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10pm and 3am, then a chance of showers after 3am. Patchy fog between 9pm and 10pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. East wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday: A chance of showers before 11am, then a chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. South wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.