Rhode Island steps into March with light snowflakes drifting across Providence and wet pavement shining along I-95. The air feels raw and brisk. Temperatures hover near 38 degrees late this morning, but bursts of snow are still sliding through.
According to the National Weather Service in Norton, snow remains likely through late morning, mainly before noon, with a 70% chance of precipitation. Daytime accumulation stays under an inch. Even so, brief steadier bands can coat bridges and untreated side streets. Drivers should expect changing road conditions through midday.
Skies gradually brighten this afternoon as highs reach near 35 degrees. North winds gust over 20 mph at times, adding a biting edge. After sunset, temperatures drop sharply to around 5 degrees. Any slush left behind will refreeze fast. This is the time of year when flash freezing catches drivers off guard. Wet pavement this afternoon can turn icy by early Monday. Slow down and increase following distance for the morning commute.
Monday turns sunny but cold, with highs near 28. The chill lingers into Monday night with lows near 13. By Tuesday, milder air nudges in. A brief snow mix is possible before late morning, then rain becomes likely with highs around 41. Rain continues Tuesday night and into Wednesday before partial clearing. Highs climb to 47 Wednesday and into the low 50s by Thursday, offering a clear spring tease.
Clocks spring forward next Sunday at 2 a.m., and Rhode Island will gain close to 100 extra minutes of daylight this month. Longer-range trends point to above-normal temperatures late next week. Are you seeing slick spots or melting snow in your neighborhood? Let us know.
Five Day Outlook for Providence, Rhode Island:
Monday: Sunny, high 28.
Tuesday: Snow mix, then rain, high 41.
Wednesday: Rain likely early, high 47.
Thursday: Chance of rain, high 53.
Friday: Rain likely, high 43.
