Scorching Forecast Could Bring 2021's First Heat Wave

NEWPORT, RI — Just a few days after an unseasonably cold and rainy Memorial Day weekend, Rhode Island could see its first heat wave of 2021. Scorching temperatures are in the forecast for next week.

After rain throughout the day Thursday and Friday, hot, sunny weather is expected to arrive in Rhode Island. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-80s Saturday, heating up to more than 90 degrees Sunday and Monday.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a heat wave is a "period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and unusually humid weather," usually lasting two or more days. Next week's weather could fit the bill.

Hot weather safety

Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for young children and the elderly. When temperatures climb, avoid extended time outside, stay hydrated, wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing and avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages and other dehydrating food and drinks.

The same wisdom applies to pets, who can get overheated and dehydrated, as well. Make sure your animal has plenty of access to water during extreme heat. When taking your dog for a walk, check the pavement, which can burn paw pads in hot weather.

Rhode Island Forecast via National Weather Service

Thursday
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 3 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. High near 68. South wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 62. Southwest wind 9 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday
A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 8 a.m. Patchy fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 73. Southwest wind 9 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog after 9 p.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 6 to 13 mph.

Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 65. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph.

Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 91. West wind 8 to 13 mph.

Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph.

Monday
Sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 7 to 13 mph.

Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Southwest wind 8 to 10 mph.

Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 88. West wind 9 to 11 mph.

Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Northwest wind 7 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.