NWS: Brace yourself for what could be the hottest weather Indy has seen in 4 years

We're feelin' hot, hot, hot here in Indianapolis. 

Thanks to a shift in the jet stream, warm air has settled over a significant portion of the eastern United States, blanketing parts of Kansas, Missouri and Illinois in oppressive heat and threatening Indianapolis with the highest temperatures the city has sweated through in four years. 

Recorded temperatures haven't climbed this high in Indianapolis since 2013, when temperatures hit nearly 96 degrees, National Weather Service meteorologist Joe Skowronek said.

But it's not just the temperature you'll want to keep an eye on.

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The heat index, which factors in actual temperature and humidity to create a "feels like" temperature, is expected to clock triple digits, bringing with it increased chances for heat stress and exhaustion for those spending time outdoors. 

Indianapolis' heat index hit 96 degrees Thursday afternoon and is predicted to hit 102 Friday and Saturday, according to the NWS. That's a 10-degree difference from the predicted actual temperatures of 91 and 92 degrees on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

Sitting just on the eastern edge of the heat wave, Indianapolis won't be among the dozen places where heat advisories will be issued, Skowronek said. To do that, Central Indiana heat indices would have to hit 105 degrees, and we're not quite there yet. 

OK, so 102 degrees is still pretty warm. But, on the bright side, at least we're not setting any new records. 

"It’s going to be hot, but it’s not going to be record-breaking," Skowronek said. "This time of the year, the records are close to 100, so we're not expecting temperatures to get that hot." 

That record — 106 degrees — was recorded July 14, 1936, according to the NWS.

Other states aren't so lucky.

Inside the core of the heat wave, actual temperatures are hitting triple digits. St. Louis is predicted to have a high of 104 degrees Friday and 105 Saturday, while Kansas City, Kan., also could see temperatures at 100 degrees Friday. 

"We’re probably lucky we’re on the eastern fringe of it," Skowronek said. 

Here in Indianapolis, NASCAR fans will catch a break as the oppressive heat dissipates overnight Saturday, bringing the high down to 89 degrees for the Brickyard 400 Sunday, which will start just before 3 p.m. at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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The NWS offered several tips on how to stay cool as high temperatures increase chances for heat stress: 

• Limit time outdoors during the afternoon hours. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks and step into the shade or an air-conditioned space. 
• Stay hydrated. 
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Look before you lock. Never leave children or animals inside a locked car.

It's a little early to say what, exactly, to expect for next week's weather, but one thing's for certain: It will be cooler.

Preliminary forecasts are showing Monday and Tuesday highs will hover around the low 80s.

Call IndyStar reporter Holly Hays at (317) 444-6156. Follow her on Twitter: @hollyvhays.