Rhode Island – Cold air slices across southern New England this morning, turning breath into fog and pavement into glass. In Providence, the chill settles deep, stiffening hands and locking moisture into ice across sidewalks and roadways.
According to the National Weather Service, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through late morning for Rhode Island and much of southern Massachusetts. Wind chills have plunged to near 20 degrees below zero, cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in under 30 minutes.
Temperatures hover near 11 degrees in Providence, with steady winds keeping it feeling far colder. Drivers along I-95, Route 6, and city bridges face slick conditions as any daytime melting refreezes quickly. Flash freezing remains a prime concern, especially in shaded areas and on untreated roads.
Across the region, the broader Arctic blast continues to be reinforced by extensive ice cover across the Great Lakes, now nearing 50 percent frozen. That frozen reservoir keeps funneling cold air east, limiting any quick warmup. While Saturday stays mostly dry, attention turns to Sunday as a coastal disturbance brings a chance of snow.
Snow chances increase Sunday afternoon into Sunday night, with light accumulations possible in Providence and surrounding communities. Even one to two inches could significantly impact travel due to cold ground temperatures and gusty winds. Visibility may drop at times, especially near the coast.
By early next week, temperatures slowly rebound into the low 30s, but winter hazards linger. NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook suggests below-normal temperatures persist across the Northeast while precipitation trends remain near normal.
Residents should dress in layers, limit time outdoors, protect pets and pipes, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Five-Day Outlook for Providence, RI
Friday: Sunny, high near 14°F
Saturday: Sunny, high near 21°F
Sunday: Chance of snow, high near 24°F
Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 32°F
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 33°F
