RI Weather Forecast: Record Heat Details, Storm Timeline Revealed

It'll be almost 100 degrees and some of us won't even be able to think about going to the beach. A hazardous weather outlook has been issued for the northern half of Rhode Island for a combination of extreme heat and potential storms. There's a lot to cover, so we'll try to keep it neat and quick:

The Heat: As the National Weather Service keeps saying this morning, it's "gonna be a scorcha!" The excessive heat and humidity will make for temperatures in the 90s and push heat indices as high as 94 in much of Rhode Island this afternoon. The southern part of the state could see much more mild temperatures, with highs forecast in the 70s.

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So that means we should have some new record-high temperatures before the day is done. Here are some to keep an eye on.

• Providence - 92 degrees (1994). Today's forecast: 88. Normal high: 78.
• Boston - 92 degrees (1993). Today's forecast: 94. Normal high: 77.
• Worcester - 91 degrees (1994). Today's forecast: 91. Normal high: 75.
• Westfield, MA - 94 degrees (2006). Today's forecast: 96. Normal high: 79.

What's it going to look like the rest of the week? Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday have highs in the 80s with some clouds.

The Storms: The reason it's not such an obvious beach day is because of the the potential for thunderstorms this afternoon into evening. Lightening, gusty winds, and excessive rain are all eyed today. The worst of it is expected to coincide with the evening commute. See the simulated radar below.

"There is the potential for a few strong to severe storms this afternoon into evening. Frequent lightning, strong to damaging winds, as well as brief heavy rainfall along with possible flooding are the expected potential threats with strongest storms," the National Weather Service said.