Rhode Island Weather Alert: Bright sunshine is masking a major pattern change that will soon unfold across southern New England. Warm sidewalks and blue skies are creating ideal summer conditions today, but thicker clouds and soaking rain are lining up just offshore. By midweek, repeated rounds of showers could leave roads slick, slow traffic, and create pockets of standing water across the Providence metro.
Providence, Rhode Island – According to the National Weather Service, today stays sunny with a high near 85 degrees, making it the warmest day of the week. Changes begin Tuesday as isolated showers develop by late morning before rain becomes more widespread Tuesday night. The wettest period arrives Wednesday, when the chance of rain climbs to 90%, followed by an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday night and Thursday.
Drivers along Interstate 95, Interstate 195, Route 146, Route 6, and Route 10 should prepare for changing road conditions beginning Tuesday night. Wet pavement, reduced visibility, and ponding water may slow both the morning and evening commutes. Travelers using T.F. Green International Airport should also expect the potential for weather-related flight delays as heavier rain moves through southern New England.
Meteorologists are tracking a strengthening storm system that will tap into Atlantic moisture and bring several rounds of rain across Rhode Island. While widespread severe weather is not currently expected, embedded thunderstorms may produce gusty winds, frequent lightning, and locally heavy rainfall. If heavier showers repeatedly track across the same communities, isolated poor-drainage flooding cannot be ruled out.
Have rain gear ready before heading out later this week, and allow extra travel time if roads become water-covered. Never drive through flooded intersections, even if the water appears shallow.
Conditions improve by Friday as sunshine returns and temperatures rebound to around 79 degrees. Looking beyond the five-day period, the Climate Prediction Center’s 6-to-10-day outlook favors above-normal temperatures across New England, pointing toward another stretch of warm summer weather after this wetter system exits.
Five-Day Forecast for Providence, Rhode Island
- Today: Sunny. High 85°F.
- Tonight: Partly cloudy. Low 63°F.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny with isolated showers developing after late morning. High 82°F. Chance of rain 20%.
- Tuesday Night: Showers become likely toward daybreak. Low 65°F. Chance of rain 60%.
- Wednesday: Showers and possible thunderstorms with patchy fog before early afternoon. High 77°F. Chance of rain 90%.
