Rhode Island starts the morning under gray skies and near-freezing air, with cold pavement hinting at what’s ahead.
The quiet chill feels sharp, and winter conditions are beginning to line up for post-Christmas travel.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures trend colder through the holiday period, with snow chances increasing late Friday into Saturday. While Christmas Day stays mostly quiet, the shift afterward could impact drivers across Rhode Island and nearby southeastern Massachusetts.
Clouds dominate early, with temperatures hovering in the mid-30s. A brief rain or snow shower may brush the area on Christmas, but impacts remain limited. Winds turn northerly later, pulling colder air into the region. That transition sets the stage for more wintry conditions.
Meteorologists are now tracking a developing system expected to approach late Friday. Temperatures struggle to reach the mid-20s during the day, keeping surfaces cold. Snow becomes likely Friday night, especially after midnight, with light accumulation possible by early Saturday.
Conditions may worsen gradually. Snow chances continue into Saturday morning, and even light snowfall could create slushy or slick roads. Black ice is a concern where daytime melting refreezes quickly. Bridges, ramps, and untreated roads may freeze first.
To be fair, this does not appear to be a major winter storm. Still, timing matters. Post-Christmas travelers heading out Saturday should plan extra time and reduce speed during snowfall. Visibility may drop briefly during steadier bursts.
This setup fits the broader Northeast pattern. Snow continues across New England, while other parts of the country see record warmth. Locally, winter is taking hold during the final week of December.
5-Day Outlook for Providence, RI:
- Today: Cloudy, breezy, high near 40
- Christmas Day: Slight rain/snow chance, high near 40
- Thursday: Clear and colder, high near 25
- Friday: Cold, snow likely late, high near 25
- Saturday: Chance of snow, high near 29
