STORMTRACKER ALERT: Extreme heat and storms this afternoon

Temps drop off tonight, tomorrow is the pick of the weekend

Today is a Stormtracker Alert day as we monitor the extreme heat and chance for strong storms this afternoon. Let’s break them both down:

First, the heat. Today will be the hottest and most humid day this week, with inland highs reaching the low 90s and dewpoints in the mid 70s. This will make it feel more like triple-digits this afternoon – for that reason, we have a heat advisory in effect for Providence and Kent counties in Rhode Island and the northern half of Bristol County, MA until 8p tonight. The South Coast is excluded from this because the wind is out of the south this afternoon, making it a bit cooler there.

Next, the storms. The best chance of seeing some storm activity this afternoon comes into play between about 2p – 7p with a cold front that moves through. Some of these storms could be strong-to-severe, with gusty winds, frequent lightning possible. Remember, if you are close enough to hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck by lightning – so the best thing to do is head indoors until the storms pass. There also may be some downpours associated with these storms, bringing an inch or more of rainfall. Be on the lookout for localized flooding as a result.

Once the front passes through, we clear out and cool off tonight. Tomorrow is looking great! It will be cooler and much less humid, and highs will be in the low-to-mid 80s. Sunday is looking more unsettled with a chance for some showers (and maybe a garden-variety storm or two).

Stay with ABC6 for updates on the heat and storms throughout the day.

-Tyler