Massachusetts – Cold air cuts across southern New England with a sharp edge this morning, stiffening fingers and glazing pavement before most homes fully wake. Exhaust hangs low over roads, and even short walks feel punishing as winter asserts control.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures across eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island sit in the teens early, with wind chills dropping below zero at times. Gusty north winds continue to pull Arctic air south, keeping conditions dangerous for prolonged exposure without layers, hats, and gloves.
In the Providence area, highs today reach only the mid-20s under cloudy skies. Brief melting during daylight hours will be limited, but refreezing accelerates quickly once the sun fades. That raises concerns for slick sidewalks, parking lots, and untreated roads. Drivers along I-95, Route 146, and local connectors should watch for black ice, especially during evening travel.
Cold remains locked in through midweek. Monday and Tuesday bring more sunshine but little warmth, with highs near 30 and overnight lows sinking into the single digits. Meteorologists are monitoring late-week disturbances that could introduce snow chances by Friday into Saturday. Any light snow followed by clearing would heighten flash-freeze risks across the region.
Farther out, the 6–10 day outlook favors continued colder-than-normal temperatures across the Northeast, supported by extensive ice cover on the Great Lakes. That setup allows cold air to reinforce itself, delaying any sustained thaw into early February.
Residents should protect exposed pipes, bring pets indoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Plan extra travel time during morning and evening hours, when icy patches are hardest to spot. Additional advisories may be issued as the cold pattern evolves.
How slippery did roads feel where you are this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Providence, RI
- Today: Cloudy and cold, high near 24°F
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 30°F
- Tuesday: Sunny, high near 32°F
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 31°F
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 29°F
