After Badly Needed Rains, High Heat This Week for RI

RHODE ISLAND—Some badly needed rain is soaking Rhode Island on Wednesday, though it won't make much of a dent in the ongoing drought. And it marks the beginning of a period of high heat and humidity expected through the weekend.

Showers and scattered strong thunderstorms will bring the potential of locally heavy rainfall into the evening. Most areas will see about a half-inch to an inch of rain. Fortunate areas will see heavy downpours that could bring more.

Things will get hot on Thursday with a heat index value approaching 105 degrees during the afternoon in inland areas, according to the National Weather Service. And there won't be much relief along the coast as the index will hover in the mid-90s.

The hottest weather is expected Thursday and Friday. A Heat Advisory already issued for much of eastern Massachusetts could be expanded to cover areas of Rhode Island, the weather service said.

"Remember to use common sense during periods of hot weather in order to avoid heat related illnesses," the weather service advised.