News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Rhode Island and several Northeast states until 10 p.m. Thunderstorms are expected to bring dangerous conditions, including high winds and large hail, which could disrupt early holiday events. Fortunately, the July 4th forecast looks promising with drier air and sunny skies anticipated for celebrations. Residents are urged to stay vigilant as severe weather conditions could pose risks throughout the evening.
Providence — The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Rhode Island and several other Northeast states, which is in effect until 10 p.m. tonight. This weather alert includes parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, as thunderstorms are expected to bring dangerous conditions throughout the evening.
Weather experts indicate that the severe storm conditions could include frequent lightning, winds reaching up to 70 mph, and hail as large as 2 inches in diameter. These hazardous conditions pose risks not only to outdoor activities but also threaten to disrupt early holiday events, including fireworks shows scheduled for July 3.
Fortunately, the forecast for the July 4th weekend is shaping up to be more favorable. Drier air is expected to move into the region, leading to improved weather conditions that will be more suitable for outdoor activities and celebrations. Independence Day is predicted to be dry, sunny, and less humid, with the temperature reaching around 84 degrees in Providence. The evening forecast for July 4th shows mostly clear skies, promising a pleasant night for holiday festivities.
Saturday’s weather is anticipated to be sunny, with a high temperature of 86 degrees, although it may turn partly cloudy by nightfall. For Sunday, the conditions are expected to remain mostly sunny with temperatures nearing 90 degrees, alongside increasing humidity.
Prior to the issuance of the thunderstorm watch, Rhode Island experienced a powerful storm that caused significant damage across the state. In Barrington, strong winds knocked down a tree that fell on a garage on Bay Spring Avenue. Communities across Rhode Island also reported power outages resulting from the storm, with damaged trees and various disruptions documented statewide. Restoration efforts are ongoing as utility companies work to address the challenges brought by the recent severe weather.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant as thunderstorms could pose further risks this evening. Precautions should be taken to secure outdoor items that may be affected by strong winds, and the public is encouraged to stay informed about the evolving weather conditions.
As the holiday weekend approaches, many are looking forward to outdoor gatherings and celebrations. The improving weather conditions for July 4th will likely be a welcome relief for families and communities planning to celebrate Independence Day.
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Additional Resources
- WPRI: Powerful Thunderstorms Wreak Havoc on RI & Mass
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Providence Journal: RI Weather – Severe Thunderstorms Could Impact July 3 Fireworks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Storm
- WPRI: Damage Cleanup Underway After Storms Sweep Southern New England
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Cleanup
- Providence Journal: RI Weather – July 4th Weekend Forecast
- Google News: July 4 Weather
- GoLocalProv: Storm Sweeps Through RI – Photo of Tree Crushing Garage in Barrington
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
