Latest Timing For 'Ring Of Fire' Storms As Extreme Heat Lingers In RI

Another day of brutal heat will blanket the Rhode Island area Wednesday before conditions turn stormy in the afternoon in what forecasters are calling a "ring of fire" thunderstorm system.

Extreme heat Wednesday, unsafe conditions remain

But before the weather turns unsettled, expect high temperatures in the area to reach the 90s. A high temperature of 91 is predicted for Rhode Island, with heat index values as warm as 99 degrees.

A heat advisory is in place through Wednesday at 7 p.m.

'Ring of fire' storms move in

Severe weather could move in as early as Wednesday evening, causing temperatures to tick down before a noticeable change Friday, when the high temperature will linger in the 60s.

AccuWeather reports that a large swath of thunderstorms surrounding the massive heat dome that has engulfed Texas to New England could bring a "ring of fire" Wednesday evening.

The pattern is referred to in the weather community as a "ring of fire" because thunderstorms form along the edges of the heat dome, AccuWeather explained. Because the heat dome is warm through most layers of the atmosphere, clouds and storms have difficulty forming.

"However, on the edges of the heat, especially along the northern and western flanks thereof, the air is cooler well above the ground, which makes it easier for clouds to tower and produce thunderstorms," AccuWeather said. "Within this ring, there can be spotty, individual thunderstorms, large clusters of thunderstorms or a solid line of storms that can repeat or meander back and forth as hot and cool air change hands."

Risk of flash flooding, severe conditions

The National Weather Service says there is a marginal risk the storms will be severe, and some could bring flash flooding.

Here is the latest local forecast:

Today: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Increasing clouds and hot, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 99. Northwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Calm wind becoming northeast 5 to 7 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: A chance of showers, mainly after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Northeast wind 9 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Thursday night: A chance of showers, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: A slight chance of showers before 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. East wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday night: A chance of showers, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.