PROVIDENCE, RI – The first week of December tightens its grip across southern New England this Friday morning, with a bone-dry chill in the air and temperatures still locked in the teens. Sunlight offers little warmth, and by the weekend, that early-winter calm gives way to a wet-to-white pattern shift — one that could coat roads in slick patches just as holiday travel picks up.
According to the National Weather Service in Norton, MA, skies remain bright today before clouds increase late tonight. A mix of rain and snow arrives Saturday morning, likely between 9 a.m. and noon. Northern Rhode Island and higher terrain west of I-295 could briefly see a coating of snow or sleet before precipitation transitions fully to rain by afternoon. Accumulations should stay under one inch, but flash freezing may follow in shaded areas as temperatures fall again Saturday night.
Sunday begins calm and partly sunny, but the next system arrives by Sunday night, bringing a 40% chance of snow that could drop 1–2 inches by early Monday. The best chance for accumulation will be north and west of Providence, with slick conditions possible along I-95, Route 146, and I-295 through the morning commute.
Drivers are urged to plan ahead, reduce speeds on ramps and bridges, and keep emergency supplies ready. While Monday turns sunny, highs remain below freezing — a clear sign winter has fully settled into southern New England.
Meteorologists are also monitoring a broader Arctic surge between December 11–17, expected to reinforce this colder pattern and bring renewed snow chances across the Great Lakes and Northeast — potentially a preview of the region’s true holiday-season weather setup.
How’s your drive shaping up as this cold snap sets in? Share what you’re seeing on Rhode Island roads.
Five-Day Forecast for Providence, RI:
Fri: 27/21 – Sunny; calm, bitterly cold start.
Sat: 42/25 – Rain/snow mix midday; slick early roads.
Sun: 38/21 – Partly sunny; cold, snow late.
Mon: 29/11 – Chance snow early; clearing, frigid wind.
Tue: 35/27 – Mostly sunny; cold holds steady.
