Rhode Island – Tires hiss across wet pavement this morning as freezing rain and patchy fog combine to create slick, unpredictable roads across the region. Bridges glaze first, side streets lag behind treatment, and even short drives demand extra focus as winter hazards linger early.
According to the National Weather Service in Norton, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through midmorning for Rhode Island and much of southern New England. Freezing rain is producing light ice accumulations, especially inland, while coastal areas see patchy ice mixed with rain and fog. Roads, overpasses, and untreated surfaces may turn slick quickly.
In Providence, visibility drops at times as fog drifts across I-95 and Route 6. Interior sections of Rhode Island face the greatest icing risk, though no area is immune during the morning travel window. Crews continue treating main roads, but side streets and sidewalks remain slippery.
Conditions slowly improve later today as temperatures edge upward and precipitation tapers. To be fair, improvement is uneven. Meltwater lingers into the afternoon, setting the stage for refreezing once temperatures fall again tonight. Flash freezing remains a concern during the evening hours.
Thursday brings a brief reset with sunshine and highs climbing into the mid-40s. That calm window closes by Friday as clouds thicken and rain chances return. Wet roads reappear, and travel impacts may increase during busier periods.
Looking into early next week, temperatures fluctuate near seasonal levels. While heavy snow is not expected, winter risks persist whenever moisture and cold overlap.
Slow down this morning and allow extra stopping distance. Watch bridges closely and keep headlights on in fog. More Weather Alerts could follow as conditions evolve.
Five-Day Outlook for Providence, Rhode Island
- Today: Icy rain early, patchy fog, high near 38
- Tonight: Mostly clear, low near 29
- Thursday: Sunny, high near 44
- Friday: Cloudy with rain chances, high near 50
- Saturday: Rain likely, high near 49
