Denver is forecast for near record highs (96 set in 2012), with gradual cloudy conditions developing into the afternoon Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder.

Expect increasing clouds throughout the day and a high of 93 degrees. A light wind rolling through the area from the southeast is expected to range between 5 and 8 mph.

“Dry and hotter weather will prevail across the forecast area today,” the NWS said. “High temperatures will reach the 90 to 95 degree range across the plains and I-25 Corridor. Isolated high based showers or a lone storm very late this afternoon and tonight will be capable of producing spotty but gusty winds to around 45 mph.”

Looking ahead to Wednesday night, there’s a 10% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the forecast, mainly before 9 p.m. Expect mostly cloudy skies and a low of 62 degrees.

Highs will remain hot and conditions mostly dry throughout the week ahead with a slight chance of showers returning to the area Sunday.

Here’s the 4-day forecast from the National Weather Service.

Thursday: Expect mostly sunny skies and a high of 83 degrees.

Friday: Sunny skies are in the forecast and a high of 88 degrees.

Saturday: Expect sunny skies and a high of 90 degrees.

Sunday: There’s a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Expect mostly sunny skies and a high of 84 degrees.