UPDATE: Heat Wave Could Be Longest 'Since July of 1995'

4:30 p.m.

The severe thunderstorm warning has expired, though a heat advisory, excessive heat watch, hazardous weather outlook and air quality alert are all still in effect.

"Heat index values will drop modestly Tuesday into the middle 90s," reports the National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac, "but exceed 100 degrees both Wednesday and Thursday."

According to the weather service, this week's heat wave is on track to be the longest duration of hot and humid conditions since July of 1995.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment has also declared Tuesday to be an ozone action day; pollutants are expected to be in the unhealthy range for sensitive individuals, according to the weather service.

People and businesses are urged to avoid activities that produce ozone, including refueling vehicles, using gasoline-powered lawn equipment and using charcoal lighter fluid; it is recommended that children, adults and persons with respiratory diseases like asthma limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

For more information, visit www.deqmiair.org.

3:27 p.m.

Oakland County is under a severe thunderstorm warning until 4:30 p.m. as a strong line of storms makes its way from the west.

"At 3:25 p.m., National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing quarter-size hail and damaging winds in excess of 60 mph," the NWS reported. "This storm was located near Linden, or near Fenton, and moving southeast at 40 mph."

Residents are advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home or business for protection from the storm.

12:48 p.m. 

The National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac issued a heat advisory and warns of a "prolonged period of hot weather (in) southeastern Michigan" this week. The heat advisory is in effect until 8 a.m. Wednesday.

The heat index for today is expected to approach 100 degrees and exceed 95 degrees Tuesday.

"Southwesterly winds will not only pump hot temperatures into the region, but a very humid tropical air mass is also forecast," the NWS reports. "Consecutive days of high heat and humidity with limited relief at night may bring dangerous conditions for residents."

The weather service advises residents to drink penty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, check on relatives and neighbors, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and reschedule strenuous outdoor activities, if possible. Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances, of course.

8:20 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the next several days.

On top of the heat that has settled into the area for the week, southeastern Michigan could also see some major thunderstorms in the next few days, the weather service says.

The extended stretch of hot, humid weather will persist through Sunday with temperatures in the mid-90s and the heat index possibly exceeding 100 degrees Wednesday and Thursday, the NWS says.

Today and tonight, there is a chance of thunderstorms through the evening. These storms may be capable of producing damaging winds up to 70 mph, quarter-sized hail and heavy downpours. There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms Thursday and Friday.

Stay tuned to Patch for the latest weather news.