Rhode Island – The cold cuts straight through gloves this morning as Providence wakes up to 16 degrees and clear skies. The pavement looks dry for now, but that deep chill sets the stage for trouble once precipitation moves in later today.
According to the National Weather Service, snow develops late this morning and may mix with sleet before 4 p.m. Highs climb to 34 degrees. Even light accumulation, under a half inch, can coat I-95, Route 6, and local bridges with slush during the afternoon commute. Patchy fog may also reduce visibility.
Rain becomes steadier this evening, with temperatures hovering near 33 degrees. Between a quarter and half inch of rainfall is possible. As colder air filters back in late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, a brief window of freezing rain cannot be ruled out. Even a thin glaze could create slick sidewalks and untreated roads.
Midweek brings a quick rebound. Sunshine breaks out Wednesday afternoon with highs near 55 degrees. Melting accelerates fast. That meltwater can refreeze after sunset, creating classic March flash-freeze spots in parking lots and side streets.
Thursday turns mostly cloudy with highs in the mid-40s. Rain returns Thursday night into Friday, with highs near 42 before drier air arrives for the weekend. Saturday climbs into the low 50s.
Clocks spring ahead at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8. Daylight expands quickly, and longer evenings arrive just as temperatures trend milder. The 6–10 day outlook favors above-normal warmth, with signs of 60-degree readings early next week.
Five Day Outlook for Providence, RI:
Today: Snow and sleet changing to rain, high 34.
Wednesday: Patchy fog then sunny, high 55.
Thursday: Chance freezing rain then rain, high 44.
Friday: Rain likely, high 42.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high 52.
