Relief On The Way

Upper level winds turned northerly as far south as the Pennsylvania-Maryland border this morning,promising relief from the strong heat wave that has afflicted the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions for several days now.The winds were detected by observing that cirrus clouds were being driven south,presaging the departure of the southern high pressure responsible for the heat wave.Temperatures will start to ease up by Thursday,and return to normal or near-normal by the weekend.Scattered thunderstorms may occur as the cooler air gains momentum and clashes with the hot conditions.