PROVIDENCE, RI – The December chill is here to stay, and southern New England is bracing for a quick burst of wintry weather early Saturday that could bring a mix of snow and rain before colder air rushes in by Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service, skies will stay mostly clear and calm Thursday before a weak low-pressure system moves in late Friday night. The first flakes could start around 8 a.m. Saturday, with light snow changing to rain by midday as temperatures rise into the upper 30s to near 40°F. Up to one inch of snow may briefly accumulate on grassy and elevated surfaces before melting.
Even a light coating could mean slick spots on I-95, Route 146, and secondary roads Saturday morning. Drivers heading out early for errands or weekend travel should plan extra time and be alert for changing conditions as the snow transitions to rain. Winds will remain light but could gust near 25–30 mph along the coast.
By Sunday, skies turn brighter with highs around 40°F, but another chill follows Monday morning as lows dip back into the teens. Long-range NOAA outlooks for December 11–17 continue to point toward a colder-than-average pattern across the Northeast — suggesting more snow chances ahead for Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts as the holiday season ramps up.
Five-Day Outlook (Providence, RI)
- Friday: Sunny, high 29°F.
- Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, low 19°F.
- Saturday: Chance of snow/rain mix, high 40°F.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 40°F.
- Monday: Cold, mostly sunny, high 32°F.
