Do you know what yesterday, today and tomorrow have in common? Statistically speaking, they are the hottest days of the year, averaging 85 for a high and 70 for a low. In that sense the recent hot spell peaked just about on time. Although the heat advisory is still in effect, today shouldn't be as warm as the weekend as the temperature will probably top out around 90. There's a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Tomorrow will be very similar, very warm with a chance of showers.

One reason for all the humidity is Tropical Storm Cristobal. The storm, which formed off the South Carolina coast a few days ago, is expected to kept out to sea as by the same upper level disturbance that might bring showers to the city. Swells from the storm are likely to cause moderate rip currents the next couple of days.

The heat will break on Tuesday night when a cold front finally sags southward. Wednesday's high will be in the lower 80s. The catch is, much like earlier in the month, the front is going to stall. A stalled front will give us a good shot of rain every day from Wednesday through the weekend. So far, July has received less than half the normal amount of precipitation, so a bit of rain won't hurt. Highs will range from the lower to mid 80s during that period.

To cool us down here's Union Sq. after storm by George Grantham Bain via the Library of Congress on Flickr