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Very hot, humid conditions will be in place over the Chicago area for a stormy Wednesday, with dangerous heat indexes likely exceeding 100 degrees in the afternoon across much of the Chicago area.

In a special statement, the National Weather Service cautioned that “temperatures and moisture this high could lead to heat-related illnesses with prolonged exposure, especially the elderly, small children and pets.”

Temperatures are expected to stay in the 80s and 90s until the weekend, when the high will dip down into the 70s.

As a cold front slowly approaches from the northwest on Wednesday, thunderstorms are expected to develop along the boundary with the steamy air. Strong to severe storms are likely to produce isolated areas of damaging winds, with potentially more widespread areas experiencing flood-producing downpours of an inch or more per hour.

Rainfall totals of more than 3 inches will be possible as storms redevelop and move across the area.

The National Storm Prediction and Weather Predictions Centers have the Chicago area in a marginal to moderate risk of flash flooding and a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon and night.

The National Weather Service has the westernmost Chicago area counties under a flash flood watch.