Rhode Island drivers step into a quiet morning that hides a serious winter hazard.
Pavement looks merely wet in spots, but temperatures hover near freezing. That combination creates black ice, especially before sunrise.
A Special Weather Statement highlights patchy black ice early today. Untreated roads, bridges, overpasses, sidewalks, and parking lots remain at risk. Even brief stops or turns can become dangerous. Conditions improve later as temperatures climb into the low 40s, but caution is still needed early.
Sunshine helps dry surfaces through the day. That break is temporary. Clouds increase again as a large storm system approaches from the west. Meteorologists are tracking moisture surging north ahead of the system.
Rain chances increase Friday, especially later in the day. Patchy freezing fog may linger early before rain develops. Visibility could drop quickly during the morning commute. Drivers along I-95, Route 6, and Route 10 should expect changing conditions.
Rain becomes more widespread Friday night and continues into Saturday. Highs reach the upper 40s, keeping precipitation mostly liquid. Roads turn slick, and standing water may develop in poor drainage areas. Travel slows as steady rain settles in.
Saturday night brings another turning point. Colder air begins to filter south while rain continues. By Sunday, showers linger, but temperatures trend downward. Highs hover near 46 degrees before falling after sunset.
Sunday night raises renewed concern for winter travel. Skies begin to clear, and lows drop near 28 degrees. Any remaining moisture may refreeze, creating fresh patches of black ice. Flash freezing is possible on bridges and shaded roadways.
Next week starts colder but quieter. Sunshine returns, with highs near 37 degrees Monday. Daylight continues to increase, adding nearly 40 extra minutes by late January in Providence.
Take action: slow down this morning, watch for icy patches, and plan ahead for weekend rain and late freeze risks.
Five-Day Outlook (Providence, RI)
- Today: Sunny, improving conditions, high near 44°F
- Friday: Patchy freezing fog early, rain later, high near 49°F
- Saturday: Rain likely, high near 48°F
- Sunday: Chance of rain, cooler, high near 46°F
- Monday: Sunny and colder, high near 37°F
