RI Weather: 102 Degrees As Heat Indices Spike

September is this weekend, but don't tell Mother Nature. The National Weather Service is warning people that this heat wave is taking it to a new level today, pushing heat indices into the triple digits, as high 102 degrees in some parts of the state.

Rhode Island remains under a heat advisory until 9 p.m. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-to-upper 90s, and dew points will be in the 70s. Much of Eastern Massachusetts is under an excessive heat warning.

The heat index - much like a 'real-feel' temperature in the winter - is how much heat you'll be feeling outside. In an excessive heat warning, heat-related illnesses like heat cramps or sunstroke are "likely." Heat stroke is possible with continued physical exertion outside.

Some Rhode Island schools have called for early dismissals Wednesday.

A top ER doctor at Mass. General Hospital told WHDH that this kind of heat wave can be deadly. "Once you’re feeling weak or dizzy, or you’ve gotten a headache, get inside and start drinking water," Dr. Ali Raja said. "What I often tell my patients is if you’re starting to feel thirsty, it’s probably a little bit too late."

Even the nighttime isn't bringing relief. Last night's low temperatures were similar to the average high temperatures in June, the NWS said. The overnight low in Boston was 81 degrees, which ties the second-warmest low temperature all-time, on any day.

The extreme heat will wane for Labor Day weekend.

Providence-area forecast through Labor Day

Wednesday - Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 103. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday night - Clear, with a low around 73. West wind 3 to 8 mph.

Thursday - A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 86. Northwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday night - A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a slight chance of showers after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday - Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Northeast wind around 9 mph.

Friday night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Saturday - Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.

Saturday night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.

Sunday - Partly sunny, with a high near 80.

Sunday night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Labor Day - Partly sunny, with a high near 85.

Monday night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.

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