The hot and dry weather is expected to continue through at least the weekend, with chances for rain improving next week. The heat index is expected to range between 100-105 degrees until Sunday. Thursday Salina tied a record high with 103 degrees, tying the record set back in 1980. Since January 1st Salina has officially recorded only 4.63 of precipitation which is almost ten inches below average.

Thunderstorm chances will return across the entire area on Monday afternoon and continue off and on for much of next week. Some strong thunderstorms will be possible at times which could produce small hail, winds up to 50 mph, frequent lightning, and locally heavy rainfall.

With the exception of parts of northwest, and eastern Kansas, much of the state remains in drought conditions.