Hartford, Connecticut – A wetter and colder stretch of winter weather is expected to settle across Connecticut and Rhode Island beginning Thursday, bringing an increased risk for rain, pockets of freezing rain, and slippery travel through the weekend and into early next week.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, southern New England is projected to see above-normal precipitation through Monday, while temperatures trend near to slightly below seasonal levels. That combination raises the potential for cold rain along the coast and brief freezing rain farther inland, especially overnight and during early morning hours.
In Connecticut, coastal cities such as New Haven, Bridgeport, and New London are most likely to experience periods of steady rain, while inland communities including Hartford, Waterbury, and Willimantic face a higher risk of icy patches when temperatures dip. Northern sections of the state could briefly mix with sleet during heavier precipitation. In Rhode Island, Providence, Warwick, and Cranston should expect mostly rain, but colder air filtering in at night may allow for localized freezing rain away from the immediate coastline.
Travel conditions could become hazardous at times on major roadways including Interstate 95, Interstate 84, Route 2, and Route 6, particularly during the morning commute. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads are most susceptible to icing, even with minimal accumulation.
This pattern is being driven by a broad cold front pushing through the eastern United States, allowing cold air to undercut moist systems moving along the coast. While widespread power outages are not anticipated, isolated issues cannot be ruled out if ice forms on trees or power lines.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local alerts, plan for slower travel, and use caution during periods of freezing rain. The unsettled pattern is expected to persist into early next week, with additional advisories possible as conditions evolve.
