For many people in the South, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer, but this year it’s also ushering in a heat wave across the Southeastern United States.

In other words, it’s going to be hot.

Some areas could approach the triple digits.

Kurt Weber, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Huntsville, said temperatures could reach “near record.”

The last time we hit triple digits this early was in 2015 and 2016, according to Weber. Those temperatures are usually seen in July and August, not May, he said.

High temperatures are expected to rise to around 97 degrees Saturday, Sunday and early next week, according to forecasts.

Low temperatures are expected to stay in the upper 60s and lower 70s.

“A lot of areas are not going to cool off much overnight, relatively speaking,” Weber said.

He said he wouldn’t be shocked if temperatures over the weekend and into Monday and Tuesday were a degree or two higher than currently forecast.

Weber said temperatures could reach or break records, particularly on Saturday and Sunday.

“It will be hot,” Weber said. Though there might not be a heat advisory, it doesn’t take one to cause a heat-related illness, he said.

His advice is to listen to your body and stay well-hydrated.

“Be alert to what your body is telling you and take frequent breaks,” Weber said. “Be aware how long you stay outside.”