Rhode Island's Summer Is Expected To Be Brutal: Report

RHODE ISLAND — On Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued its monthly report on climate trends, revealing and previewing a trend we will all be feeling across the Ocean State this weekend - it's going to be a hot one.

In response to this weekend's expected mini-heatwave, Bristol and Warren have even opened cooling shelters to help residents stay safe. According to AccuWeather, Rhode Island is expected to see numbers in the mid to high 90s on Saturday and Sunday - prompting a heat advisory with a heat index expected over 99.

Related: Bristol-Warren Setting Up Cooling Centers During Blazing Hot Weekend

Experts credit this upcoming brutal summer to the climate pattern La Niña - linking its side effects to some of the abnormal heat. La Niña is characterized by the temperature of the Pacific Ocean but has major impacts on the weather felt on land as well.

La Niña typically brings drier conditions to the southern half of the country and more precipitation to the northern half - but this summer the report says that might not be the case, as the northeast is expected to receive lower-than-normal precipitation. All parts of the country could be facing extra-hot temperatures including the northeast, the report says.

Drought conditions are expected to worsen, and there's a 59 percent chance that La Niña will hang around until late August, even pushing into the fall.

The report also mentioned the fact that greenhouse gas emissions have warmed the atmosphere by almost 2 degrees Fahrenheit over the last century.

The humidity is expected to take a toll though, sitting at almost 50 percent and with a very high UV index - Saturday might not be a bad first beach day of the season.

Here's a breakdown of what to expect for this weekend's weather, according to AccuWeather:

Friday

The rest of Friday is expected to be partly sunny, pleasant and warm with highs in the low 70s. By Friday night, it should be mainly cloudy, a couple of thunderstorms with more humidity.

Saturday

Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. Near record high temperatures. High in low 90s. By Saturday night it should drop to a low of 66.

Sunday

Another potentially record-breaking heat day. Sunday should be sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible with a high of 92. By Sunday night it should cool again to the mid 60s.