Massachusetts wakes to a hard winter chill that grips sidewalks and side streets.
Cold air settles deep across southern New England, keeping conditions quiet but tense.
In Providence, temperatures hover near 10°F, with wind chills dipping close to -1°F early. According to the National Weather Service, dry and sunny weather holds today, but attention shifts quickly to a developing midweek snow chance.
Roads remain dry this morning, though untreated surfaces stay cold. Drivers should watch for icy patches in shaded areas, especially during early travel. The cold keeps snowpack firm where it remains.
By Tuesday afternoon, clouds increase as a weak system approaches. Snow chances rise late in the day, with snow likely Tuesday night, especially across Rhode Island and nearby southeastern Massachusetts. Snow may linger into early Wednesday morning before tapering.
While snowfall totals appear light, even less than one inch can create slippery roads during February. Meteorologists note the greatest impact window aligns with the Tuesday night and Wednesday morning commute, when pavement temperatures remain cold.
As snow tapers Wednesday, skies partially clear. Highs climb into the mid-30s, allowing some melting. That brief thaw raises a familiar late-winter concern: flash freezing after sunset, when melted snow refreezes on roads and sidewalks.
Later in the week, winter relaxes slightly. Thursday and Friday remain dry, with highs in the low to mid-30s. By the weekend, temperatures trend upward, with highs approaching 40°F under partly sunny skies.
Looking into the 6–10 day outlook, signs point toward above-normal temperatures for mid-February. While winter systems remain possible, a gradual thaw may begin to loosen winter’s grip.
Five-Day Outlook (Providence / SE Massachusetts):
- Today: Sunny, high near 28°F
- Tuesday: Snow possible late, high near 33°F
- Wednesday: Slight snow chance early, high near 36°F
- Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 34°F
- Friday: Partly sunny, high near 34°F
