RI Weather: 'Strong To Severe' Thunderstorms Follow Warm Temps

RHODE ISLAND — Rhode Island will see some of its warmest temperatures of the year Friday, with afternoon highs expected to reach the mid-70s. Potentially severe thunderstorms are in the forecast for the evening hours, bringing periods of heavy rain and the possibility for hail or even an isolated tornado.

Massachusetts is expected to take the brunt of the storm, with most of Rhode Island at a "slight" risk of severe weather. All storms are expected to taper off by 10 p.m.

Expect warm weather for the first half of the day. Central Rhode Island could see highs of 77 degrees, with more warm weather in the forecast for the weekend. Saturday is expected to be 72 degrees and sunny, ahead of a slightly cooler, partly cloudy day Sunday.

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

Friday
Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Friday Night
Scattered showers, mainly after 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southwest wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. North wind 7 to 9 mph.

Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. East wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Sunday
Partly sunny, with a high near 63. Southeast wind 5 to 9 mph.

Sunday Night
A chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Southeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Monday
Showers. High near 57. East wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Monday Night
Showers likely, mainly before 11 p.m. Cloudy, with a low around 48. Northeast wind 11 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Tuesday
A chance of showers before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Northeast wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Northeast wind 9 to 14 mph.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Northeast wind 11 to 13 mph.

Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Northeast wind 3 to 8 mph.

Thursday
Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Northeast wind 5 to 9 mph becoming south in the afternoon.