Flooding Rain Threat on Wednesday

Wednesday will be rainy, and the rain will be heavy at times with embedded thunderstorms possible. There is a low risk of severe thunderstorms, but they cannot be ruled out. Rainfall rates of 2″ per hour are possible, although it is unlikely that rates that high will persist for an hour or more. Even so, flash flooding is possible, and the National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for most of Southern New England.

The heaviest rain is likely between 6 am and 6 pm from west to east through Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. The midday hours will likely be the rainiest in Rhode Island, and the afternoon looks wettest in Southeastern Massachusetts. Rain totals of 1-2″ will be widespread, and some of the hardest hit areas could receive more than 3″ of rain. The temperature will be in the mid 60s to low 70s with a southeasterly breeze that will be strongest near the coast. Winds of 15-25 mph are likely near the coast, and 10-20 mph inland.

The rain will quickly wind down Wednesday evening, possibly as soon as 4-6 pm in Rhode Island, and 7-9 pm in Eastern Massachusetts. It will become partly cloudy Wednesday night, with a northwesterly breeze ushering in drier air. Lows will be in the mid 50s to low 60s.

Thursday looks partly sunny and seasonably cool, with highs in the mid to upper 70s. Lows will be in the mid to upper 50s with clear skies Thursday night. Friday and Saturday both looks about the same as Thursday. Look for partly to mostly sunny skies with highs in the mid to upper 70s, and lows in the 50s Saturday morning. Humidity will stay low.

A weak disturbance approaches on Sunday, and it may trigger scattered showers and thunderstorms. It will be partly sunny with highs in the low 80s inland, and 70s at the coast as the wind turns onshore. The early outlook for early next week is for mainly dry and seasonable weather. Highs will be in the low 80s, and lows will be in the low to mid 60s.