RI Could See Record Warmth Ahead Of Rainy Start To Weekend

RHODE ISLAND — Rhode Island will see a true preview of spring to end the week, with temperatures expected to reach 70 degrees across the state. Unfortunately, the warm, sunny weather will be bracketed by rain on both Thursday and Saturday.

Friday's highs could once again break warm-temperature records in Rhode Island. March 18's current record is 73 degrees, set in 2011. With highs expected to reach 70 on Friday, a new record isn't out of the question.

Expect rain and patchy fog throughout the day Thursday, with highs in the mid-50s. Saturday will see a return of the rain, continuing throughout the day and into the evening hours.

Sunday will be mostly sunny, though not as warm as Friday. Highs are expected to only reach the high 50s, with a chance of rain arriving by the end of the day.

Here's a look at the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

Thursday
Rain likely, mainly between noon and 5 p.m. Patchy fog before 11 a.m. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 56. Southeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Thursday Night
A chance of rain, mainly before 9 p.m. Patchy fog after 11 p.m. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 46. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday
Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 69. Southwest wind 3 to 8 mph.

Friday Night
Increasing clouds, with a low around 45. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday
Rain, mainly after 8 a.m. High near 54. South wind 5 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.

Saturday Night
Showers, mainly before midnight. Low around 48. South wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Sunday
A chance of rain after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. West wind 9 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. Northwest wind 11 to 13 mph.

Monday
Sunny, with a high near 55. Northwest wind 10 to 16 mph.

Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Northwest wind 9 to 13 mph.

Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 54. Northwest wind 9 to 15 mph.

Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.