The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for the Indianapolis area and much of the northern half of Indiana until 7 p.m.

Today’s National Weather Service forecast calls for the warmest Indianapolis temperature in nine months — hot enough for forecasters to issue a heat advisory.

Along with the chance of severe thunderstorms today and tonight, the high will be 90 degrees and the low 72. High temperatures of 88 also are expected on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, with no rain in the forecast after Saturday.

Reaching the predicted high would give Indianapolis its first 90 degree day since 91 degrees was recorded on Sept. 3 of last year. A typical June 19 has a high temperature of 83 and a low of 62.

Even if we reach the forecast’s high temperature, that will be cooler than the June 19 record of 97 degrees, set in 1953.

Today’s heat may seem more extreme because this month has been cooler than normal. The average June temperature so far has been 70.1, compared to 73.2 degrees in June of 2008.

During the heat, the Weather Service recommends that people drink plenty of fluids, stay where there’s air conditioning, avoid of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors who may be affected by the heat.

CHICAGO (AP) — Storms moving across the central part of the U.S. are causing delays at Chicago airports and have left thousands of people without power.Flight delays at O’Hare International Airport on today were averaging one hour and more than 50 flights were canceled. Midway was seeing shorter delays and no cancellations.More than 69,000 people lost power in Michigan, Illinois and Ohio.In southwestern Michigan, a teenager in Oakfield Township was electrocuted after running into a power line downed by storms Thursday.In Ohio, heavy rain, gusty winds and lightning put some roads under water and cut power to about 20,000 customers.Also, a gas station canopy collapsed under the weight of rainwater in Delaware, north of Columbus. Authorities say no one was hurt.