Providence, Rhode Island – New long-range federal climate guidance suggests February 2026 may bring near-normal winter precipitation across Rhode Island, with equal chances of rain and snow rather than a dominant snowfall signal.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC), Rhode Island is currently placed in an “equal chances” category for February precipitation type. This designation indicates no statistically significant signal favoring either above-normal snowfall or rain-dominant systems compared to long-term February averages.
Equal chances outlooks point to uncertainty in storm tracks and temperature patterns. For Rhode Island, this suggests February 2026 could feature a mix of rain, snow, and mixed-precipitation events depending on storm timing and coastal influences.
Coastal and low-elevation areas may experience more frequent rain or rain-snow mix during milder systems influenced by Atlantic air, while brief periods of colder air could allow for accumulating snow, particularly during overnight or stronger winter storms.
Temperature outlooks for February indicate near-normal conditions across southern New England. This temperature profile supports frequent fluctuations between colder and milder air masses, increasing the likelihood of varying precipitation types throughout the month.
Neighboring states across southern New England show similar neutral precipitation signals, reinforcing uncertainty in how consistently winter weather patterns may affect the region.
Commuters, students, and winter travelers across Rhode Island are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as February approaches, when shorter-range outlooks will better clarify storm timing and precipitation type.
