Rhode Island – Frigid air clamps down across southern New England this morning, frosting car windows and numbing hands within minutes. The cold feels sharp and relentless. Side streets look clear, but the air itself carries risk as wind strips away warmth fast.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through midmorning for much of Rhode Island, eastern and central Massachusetts, northern Connecticut, and parts of southern New Hampshire. Wind chills as low as 20 below are possible in the coldest spots, with frostbite possible on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
In Providence, temperatures hover in the single digits early, with wind chills well below zero. Even light winds make a difference in this kind of cold. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated ramps along I-95 and I-195 may develop patches of ice where any melting refreezes quickly. Pedestrians should watch for slick sidewalks, especially in shaded areas.
Sunshine helps temperatures recover into the lower 20s later today, but the cold remains biting. Tonight turns clear again, allowing temperatures to fall back toward zero. That sets up another icy start Sunday, particularly for early travel.
Sunday brings a slight uptick in clouds and a small chance for a few snow showers early, mainly before morning. Accumulation looks minimal, but even a light dusting can worsen travel when pavement temperatures stay cold. Winds increase during the day, keeping wind chills near or below zero at times.
Looking ahead, the larger pattern stays locked in. With the Great Lakes nearly half frozen, cold air continues to funnel into the Northeast. Monday trends sunnier with highs near freezing, followed by modest moderation midweek. Even then, nighttime refreezing remains a concern into the first full week of February.
Limit time outdoors this morning, dress in layers, and check on neighbors who may need heat. Heading out early today? How cold did it feel where you are?
Five Day Outlook for Providence, RI
• Saturday: Sunny, high near 20, wind chills below zero
• Sunday: Mostly cloudy, chance of early snow, high near 24
• Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 32
• Tuesday: Sunny, high near 33
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 32
