TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — An intense, and long-lasting, early-season heatwave began Thursday in Tampa Bay. Tampa topped out at 91, with Plant City hitting 95. It will only get hotter from here.

While Thursday was hot, the humidity wasn’t too high, making it bearable. However, this weekend into the middle of next week, humidity will gradually increase, leading to sweltering summer-like weather.

This weekend highs will range from the upper 80s along the beaches (cooled by the Gulf) to the mid 90s inland. Some record highs will be challenged.

The heat is due to an extreme early-season heat dome centered over South Texas. This will move east and be right on top of Florida early next week.

The hottest days will likely be Monday and Tuesday. The record highs those days happen to be very high, so it will be tough to break those records, but we will come close.

The heat is only half the story. Humidity will increase and that means feels like temps will be 100-105 starting this weekend through the middle of next week.

On the above graphic, you can see that the heat index drops significantly late next week. That is due to a cool front which is forecast to pass through. If that happens, much drier air will move in and also slightly cooler air as well. That should drop feels like temperatures by 15-20 degrees by Friday, providing some short-term relief.