Rhode Island roads are turning snow-covered fast this morning as a quick-moving burst of snow sweeps west to east across Providence. Flakes are falling steadily, coating cars and sidewalks in white as temperatures hover near 11 degrees. Visibility drops at times, and slick stretches are forming along I-95 and Route 6.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, a brief but intense round of snow will continue through late morning, with 1 to 2 inches common and isolated spots nearing 3 inches. Snow may mix with or change to rain early this afternoon as highs climb toward 38 degrees. Winds could gust near 28 mph, adding to reduced visibility during heavier bursts.
The timing makes this a classic late-winter commute issue. Roads may improve later today as temperatures rise above freezing, but melting snow can refreeze quickly tonight when lows fall into the upper 20s. This is prime flash-freeze season across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Bridges and untreated side streets could turn icy again after sunset.
Thursday brings sunshine with only a slight snow chance late in the day. Highs reach the upper 30s. Friday stays sunny near 38 degrees. Then a spring tease arrives this weekend, with Saturday soaring to 46 degrees under mostly sunny skies before cooler air returns Sunday.
Looking ahead, early next week trends colder with another snow chance Monday. Beyond that, longer-range signals hint at moderating temperatures heading into early March.
Five Day Outlook for Providence, RI:
Wednesday: Snow then mix, high near 38.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 37.
Friday: Sunny, high near 38.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 46.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 38.
