Rhode Island–Massachusetts – The calm, sunny streak that carried New England through late November is fading fast. Flags along the coast flap in brisk westerly winds today as colder air slides in behind a passing front. The weekend turns colder and wetter, with a new system set to arrive just as post-Thanksgiving travel peaks Sunday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston, Saturday will stay dry and bright, though highs in the low 40s will make it feel distinctly wintry. Winds will ease slightly, setting the stage for increasing clouds by Sunday afternoon, followed by a 50–70% chance of rain Sunday night. The heaviest rainfall is expected after sunset, creating slick spots for drivers on I-95, I-195, and Route 146 heading through Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
Temperatures will dip quickly after the system passes, bringing daytime highs in the upper 30s and lows near freezing early next week. NOAA’s 6- to 10-day outlook shows below-normal temperatures spreading across the Northeast from December 2–6, hinting at a colder, wetter start to December and possibly the first snowflakes inland if temperatures trend just a few degrees lower.
Residents should plan extra travel time Sunday and keep coats, gloves, and umbrellas handy through the week. Early risers Monday may even see patchy frost as the chill deepens.
5-Day Outlook (Providence, RI)
- Saturday: Sunny, high 41°F.
- Sunday: Cloudy, rain chance 50%, high 50°F.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 45°F.
- Tuesday: Chance of rain and snow, high 38°F.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, brisk, high 38°F.
