RHODE ISLAND — The first heat wave of the year is on its way to the Northeast, bringing the first round of 90-degree days to Rhode Island next week, according to Accuweather.

Millions of people in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic will be affected by the heat wave starting Monday, with the heat dome expected to continue to bake parts of the Southwest and interior Northwest all week, Accuweather said.

Rising temperatures will lead to a surge in electricity demand for cooling, putting pressure on the power grid to run air conditioners, according to AccuWeather’s Global Weather Center.

The forecast for Providence calls for temperatures reaching 93 degrees Thursday and 91 degrees Friday, The Weather Channel says.

People in areas with temperatures reaching the 90s and 100s are “encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and take breaks in air-conditioned rooms or shaded areas,” AccuWeather said.

On average, heat waves kill more Americans than any other type of severe weather such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and lightning, according to AccuWeather.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — PROVIDENCE, RI — Saturday marks the return of Rhode Island PrideFest.

Thousands of people packed District Park to celebrate love and pride. Many coming from all over New England.

“I love how big the queer community is,” said Celeste Weidemann.

“I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but it’s great to see all of these people celebrating love, being loved,” Weidemann said.

The festival kicked off with more than 250 food vendors, non-profit organizations, and small businesses.

“It’s a beautiful day to be here surrounded around this many people. We feel all the love,” said Sean Aveler of Johnston.

“Love is love, so love who you want, love yourself,” Aveler added.

Rhode Island PrideFest had a positive effect for local businesses in the area with thousands of people flooding District Park.

Bayberry Garden owner, Tom Dennen, told NBC 10 that today is one of his busiest days of the year.

“It’s great, we’re all down here celebrating the good vibes of PrideFest,” said Dennen.

“Great turn out, and people are happy and having a good time, it’s fantastic,” Dennen said.

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (AP) — A malfunctioning steam room at a YMCA in Rhode Island pumped out so much steam that it triggered an a sprinkler system alarm on Saturday morning, prompting an evacuation.

In a statement, the Middletown Police Department said officials rushed to the Newport County YMCA in Middletown around 9 a.m. for a possible explosion but later learned an excessive amount of steam had set off the building’s emergency sprinkler system.

A 58-year-old woman was hurt but officials said it was a minor injury. The YMCA would remain closed Saturday, police said.