Rhode Island residents are stepping into a brief spring-like reprieve this morning as temperatures climb toward a seasonal peak before a soaking rain moves in tonight. The air feels notably milder across the Ocean State, with a breezy southwest wind gusting up to 24 mph, pushing afternoon highs to a comfortable 62 degrees. However, the window for outdoor plans is closing fast as a cold front approaches from the west, threatening to turn the evening commute into a soggy, low-visibility crawl.
According to the National Weather Service, conditions will deteriorate rapidly after 9 p.m. tonight. A dense shield of rain and patchy fog is expected to blanket the region, with precipitation totals reaching up to half an inch by Friday morning. Drivers on I-95 and I-195 should prepare for reduced visibility and hydroplaning risks as the heaviest rain moves through between midnight and sunrise.
The primary concern for the weekend involves a sharp temperature swing. After Friday’s lingering morning showers and a high of 49 degrees, a much colder air mass will settle over Southern New England. By Saturday night, temperatures in Providence and surrounding Kent County will plummet to 25 degrees. This creates a significant risk for flash freezing on any lingering damp spots or secondary roads. While the sun returns for Saturday and Sunday, it will offer little warmth, with highs struggling to break 39 degrees.
As the cold front clears, residents should ensure gutters are clear of debris to handle tonight’s runoff and remain vigilant of black ice during the early hours of Saturday and Sunday. High pressure will eventually bring a return to the 50s by early next week, suggesting the spring-like trend isn’t gone for long.
Are you seeing any localized flooding or thick fog in your neighborhood this morning? Let us know how the commute looks on your street.
Five Day Forecast for Providence, RI
- Thursday: Partly sunny with a high near 62°. Southwest winds 10 to 14 mph.
- Friday: Rain and patchy fog mainly before 10 a.m., then a chance of rain. High near 49°.
- Saturday: Partly sunny and much colder with a high near 39°. North winds around 9 mph.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny with a high near 46°. West winds 6 to 11 mph.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy and milder with a high near 55°. Gusts as high as 25 mph.
