Providence is waking up cloudy and unusually mild Friday, but the warmth comes with a serious downside: heavy rain, possible thunderstorms and a heightened risk of flooding are set to dominate the day and continue overnight.
The National Weather Service has a Flood Watch in effect from 4 a.m. Friday through 10 a.m. Saturday for Rhode Island. Rainfall estimates are 1 to 2 inches farther east, with a narrow band of up to 3 inches possible.
Heavy Rain Builds Through Friday Night
Patchy fog, showers and thunderstorms are possible early Friday before rain becomes widespread and occasionally heavy from late morning through the afternoon. Providence could reach 69 degrees, with rain continuing overnight.
The heaviest runoff could overwhelm storm drains and create flooding in low-lying, poor-drainage and urban areas, especially where leaves have clogged catch basins. Drivers should avoid standing water and allow extra time for reduced visibility and slick roads.
Saturday Brings A Brief Break
Rain and patchy fog may linger into Saturday morning, with showers tapering after roughly 9 to 11 a.m. Skies should turn mostly sunny later, with a high near 66, although a chance of light rain returns Saturday night as temperatures fall to around 44.
Cooler, Drier Weather Arrives Sunday
Sunday may bring showers through the morning, followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 58. Breezy conditions could make it feel noticeably cooler after Friday's mild start.
Monday looks sunny, with a high near 58, while Tuesday's high is expected to be near 58. Cooler, mainly dry weather is expected early next week.
