Hartford, Connecticut – Connecticut and Rhode Island head into the Feb 5–9 period under a prolonged stretch of well below-normal temperatures, with only limited chances for snow or rain but increasing concern over the persistence of dangerous cold. While major winter storms are not expected during this window, the intensity and duration of the cold will continue to impact daily routines across southern New England.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA outlooks, subzero air entrenched across New England will remain locked in place, feeding bitter cold south along the I-95 corridor and down the East Coast. This pattern extends well into the Southeast and Florida, while precipitation chances remain limited for areas south of northern Illinois and west of the Pacific Northwest near Eugene, Oregon, keeping snowfall potential relatively low despite the cold.
In Hartford, Providence, and surrounding communities, daytime highs are expected to stay well below seasonal averages, with several nights dropping into the single digits and teens inland and low teens to 20s closer to the coast. Wind chills may make conditions feel even colder at times. While light snow is possible, widespread or disruptive accumulation appears unlikely. The extended cold follows recent weeks in which nearly 100 temperature-related deaths have been reported across southern states, underscoring the risks tied to prolonged exposure and unsafe heating practices.
State officials urge residents to limit time outdoors during the coldest hours, protect exposed pipes, and check on elderly neighbors and those without reliable heat. The cold, mostly dry pattern is expected to persist through the period, with additional advisories possible if colder air reinforces later in the week.
