Providence, RI – Rhode Island enters the holiday stretch under NOAA’s “equal chances” temperature outlook, but forecasters say residents should still expect periodic snow or mixed precipitation between December 20 and January 2. The window includes both Christmas and New Years, meaning holiday travel may encounter wintry hazards across the state.
According to NOAA, Rhode Island is part of a region extending from Washington to New Jersey where temperatures have equal chances of trending above or below normal. While this does not suggest a strong temperature signal, late December climatology in southern New England still supports snow or wintry mixes, especially during overnight periods or when colder pockets slide through.
For precipitation, Rhode Island is also in an equal-chances zone, pointing toward near-normal totals. At this time of year, near-normal precipitation often translates to snow inland and rain-to-snow or snow-to-mix scenarios closer to the coast. Forecasters note the potential for several coastal systems, any of which could bring impactful snow depending on track and temperature.
Communities across Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, Newport, and Woonsocket should prepare for slick roads, reduced visibility, and shifting precipitation types between Dec. 20–Jan 2. Inland and higher-elevation areas may see better odds for accumulating snow, while coastal towns may experience periods of mixing or rain before colder air arrives.
If colder air aligns with one of the stronger systems expected to move along the East Coast, Rhode Island could still see a White Christmas and a wintry setup heading into New Years.
Residents and travelers are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts for storm timing and precipitation type changes.
