The September heat continues Wednesday with plenty of sunshine and a high around 93 on the Cumberland Plateau. The heat index could reach 99 during the afternoon. Wednesday night stays mostly clear and mild with a low around 72. Thursday looks much the same, with sunshine, a high near 94 and another heat index around 99 before temperatures fall into the lower 70s overnight.

A small chance for showers and thunderstorms returns Friday afternoon, but most of the day should stay sunny with a high near 93. The chance for an afternoon shower or thunderstorm continues Saturday and Sunday at just 20 percent each day. Otherwise, sunshine remains the dominant feature through the weekend.

The bigger change will be a gradual break from the heat. Highs fall to around 91 Saturday and into the upper 80s Sunday. Nights turn more comfortable as well, with lows dropping into the middle 60s over the weekend.

CLIMATE & ALMANAC

Normal High: 81°

Normal Low: 61°

Record High: 95° — 2011

Record Low: 44° — 1954

Record Rainfall: 1.20 inches — 1982

Sunrise: 6:13 AM

Sunset: 7:05 PM

Daylight: About 12 hours, 52 minutes

Daylight is decreasing by a little more than two minutes each day.

SKY & SEASONS

Moon: Waning Gibbous, approaching the Third Quarter

Next Full Moon: Saturday, September 26 at 11:49 AM

Next New Moon: Thursday, September 10 at 10:27 PM

Next Season Change: Fall begins Tuesday, September 22 at 7:05 PM.

Daylight Saving Time: Ends Sunday, November 1. Clocks fall back one hour at 2:00 AM.

Forecast information provided by the National Weather Service. Climate information is based on National Weather Service and NOAA records. Astronomical information is based on established astronomical calculations.