Rhode Island – Bright winter sun glints off frozen sidewalks this morning, but the calm won’t last. Clouds thicken later today, and a messy weekend setup brings rain, snow, and a sharp temperature drop that could quickly snarl travel.
According to the National Weather Service office serving southern New England, precipitation develops Saturday with rain possibly mixing with snow by late morning. As colder air moves in Saturday night and Sunday, snow becomes more likely, with 1 to 3 inches possible in and around Providence.
Saturday’s warmer air may keep roads just wet at first. That changes fast after sunset. Temperatures slide toward freezing, allowing slush to harden and untreated roads to turn slick. Drivers should use caution on I-95, Route 6, and local bridges where icing forms first.
Sunday brings the highest impact. Snow is likely through the afternoon, with steady flakes reducing visibility at times. Even light accumulations can create problems, especially as traffic increases ahead of the MLK Day holiday. Plan extra time and avoid sudden braking.
Sunday night stays cold, with lingering snow showers possible before tapering. Refreezing becomes a concern as lows dip into the lower 20s. Black ice may linger into early Monday, especially in shaded neighborhoods and parking lots.
MLK Day itself looks quieter but colder. Sunshine returns with highs near the upper 30s. Winds gust at times, keeping the air feeling brisk. Monday night drops into the mid-teens, locking in a hard freeze across the region.
Meteorologists continue tracking a broader winter pattern next week, with cold air holding firm and additional precipitation chances possible beyond midweek.
Heading out this weekend? Let us know how conditions look where you are.
Five-Day Outlook for Providence, RI
- Today: Sunny and cold, high near 32
- Saturday: Chance of rain and snow, high near 42
- Sunday: Snow likely, 1–3 inches possible, high near 37
- MLK Day Monday: Mostly sunny, colder, high near 33
- Tuesday: Sunny and cold, high near 23
