Providence, RI – The air over Rhode Island feels heavy and still this morning, carrying the crisp edge of early December. Sunshine may brighten skies through midweek, but a quick-hitting system Friday night could bring the state’s first flakes of the season — a gentle but noticeable shift toward winter.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures rise near 40°F today under mostly sunny skies. Winds remain light but will pick up Thursday as clouds increase. By late Friday, forecasters expect a developing disturbance to track across southern New England, spreading light snow across parts of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
The snow should stay minor — a coating to perhaps a half inch north and west of Providence — but slick spots may form on bridges, untreated roads, and shaded surfaces. Drivers using I-95 or Route 6 Friday evening should stay cautious as temperatures fall into the low 20s. By Saturday morning, a brief rain-snow mix could develop before tapering to clouds through the afternoon.
Afterward, cold air settles in again. Weekend highs will hover near the upper 30s with nighttime lows in the 20s, making it feel like a midwinter preview. The week ahead looks dry but cold, keeping frost on windshields and lawns well into next week.
Five-Day Outlook (Providence, RI)
Thursday: Increasing clouds, high 39°F.
Friday: Mostly sunny early, snow chance late, high 29°F.
Saturday: Rain/snow mix, high 38°F.
Sunday: Partly sunny, high 38°F.
Monday: Sunny and cold, high 34°F.
