SUMMER HEAT IN RETREAT NEXT WEEK...

1. Mid-summer like heat will remain over the region through Sunday, with fair skies. Temps so far have run well-above normal throughout the month; in many locations, monthly mean temps for September could be in the top five when all is said and done.

2. Higher humidity works into the region for the weekend. A weak cold front will spark isolated showers for interior sections Saturday night, but most places will be dry.

3. Onshore flow develops for Monday; large high pressure building over the northeast will usher in cooler air and plenty of clouds.

4. Showers work their way towards the region for Tuesday night into Wednesday. Overall pattern would support a steady rain at some point during the mid-week period; however, there is a fair amount of uncertainty as to the evolution of the track of any organized coastal storm. Bears watching.

5. Skies should clear late week; temps should rebound to above-normal levels once again by next weekend.