Rhode Island wakes up in a sharp February freeze as temperatures sit near 28 degrees before sunrise in Providence. A wind chill near 21 degrees bites at exposed skin, and untreated sidewalks remain icy. Early drivers along I-95 and Route 6 could encounter slick patches where melted snow refroze overnight.
The National Weather Service reports dry conditions early today, but the cold lingers with highs only reaching 39 degrees this afternoon. Light winds keep skies mostly clear, allowing another hard freeze tonight. Lows dip to around 23 degrees, cold enough to refreeze any standing water.
Tuesday turns slightly milder, with highs near 40 degrees under partly sunny skies. That brief thaw sets the stage for a more complicated midweek system. By Wednesday, February 18, precipitation chances climb to 80 percent. Rain may begin late morning, but colder air filtering in could mix rain with snow and even sleet before changing to all snow Wednesday night. Temperatures hover near 41 degrees during the day, then fall toward 30 degrees overnight. Even light accumulation could create slick travel into early Thursday.
Thursday brings a chance of lingering snow showers before partial clearing, with highs near 39 degrees. Friday trends unsettled again, with snow possibly mixing with rain as temperatures approach 39 degrees.
Looking ahead into President’s Day Week, temperatures moderate slowly. Highs hover in the upper 30s to near 40 through the weekend, with periodic chances for snow or rain. The 6–10 day outlook hints at a gradual warming trend, offering a modest late-February thaw across Rhode Island.
