Winter tightens its grip across southern New England this morning as crisp air cuts deep and sidewalks crunch under frozen grit. Breath clouds instantly, and parked cars groan as engines turn over in the cold.
Rhode Island, eastern Massachusetts, and much of Connecticut remain under a Cold Weather Advisory through late morning Friday. According to the National Weather Service in Boston and Norton, wind chills may drop as low as 20 degrees below zero in exposed areas. Prolonged time outdoors raises frostbite and hypothermia risk, especially before midday.
In Providence, temperatures hover in the teens early, but northwest winds push “feels-like” readings closer to zero or below. Roads may appear clear, yet flash freezing remains a concern on bridges, ramps, and untreated side streets. Drivers should slow down and watch shaded stretches along I-95 and Route 6.
Cold air holds firm into Friday with sunshine offering little relief. Afternoon highs struggle to reach the upper teens. Friday night brings another hard freeze, setting the stage for icy patches where daytime melting refreezes after dark.
By Saturday, clouds gradually increase while temperatures stay locked in the low 20s. Attention then turns to Sunday as a developing coastal system lifts north. Snow becomes likely by morning, with gusty winds creating blustery conditions and reduced visibility at times. Even modest snowfall could snarl travel given cold pavement temperatures.
Looking ahead, early next week trends drier and slightly milder, though winter remains dominant. Meteorologists continue tracking broader storm activity across the East as deep cold over Canada feeds active weather patterns.
Five Day Outlook for Providence, Rhode Island:
- Today: Mostly sunny, high near 22, very cold wind chills
- Friday: Sunny, high near 17
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 21
- Sunday: Snow likely, high near 25, blustery
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 33
