Severe Thunderstorms, Brief Tornado Possible In RI Monday

RHODE ISLAND — A cold front is expected to hit Rhode Island, but unfortunately it doesn't look like it means a break from the weeklong heat — just the potential for severe thunderstorms instead.

Those thunderstorms could start in Rhode Island and much of New England late Monday afternoon and could last until evening, according to the National Weather Service. With the storms, the Ocean State could see gusty to damaging winds, torrential downpours, and even a brief tornado is possible.

While flooding is not expected to be a huge risk, localized flooding is possible in cities and areas with poor drainage.

According to the National Weather Service, the period with the greatest risk for storms s noon to 10 p.m. If threatening weather approaches, make sure you're ready to seek shelter in a sturdy building.

Here's what to expect for weather the rest of the week, according to the National Weather Service:

Monday
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4 p.m. It should stay mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. By Monday night, showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly before 1 a.m. It'll stay mostly cloudy, but bring in a low around 67. Southwest wind, 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation will stay at 60 percent.

Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Tuesday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 64.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 87, but with a slight chance of showers after 2 p.m. At night, expect partly cloudy skies and a low around 69.

Thursday
Mostly sunny with a high near 89. At night and into Friday morning, expect a chance of showers after 1 a.m. and a low of around 70. Chance of rain is 30 percent.

Friday
A chance of showers between noon and 3 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Friday night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 67.

Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 88. Saturday night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 67.