PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island – Rhode Island’s stretch of mild fall weather is expected to break sharply between November 9 and 15 as a colder, more active pattern sweeps into southern New England. The state could see its first early taste of winter, with gusty winds, colder rain, and a low-end chance of wet snow mixing inland by midweek.
According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, Rhode Island will see near to slightly below normal temperatures and near-normal precipitation through mid-November. That combination suggests alternating periods of chilly rain and brisk dry spells as Canadian air meets Atlantic moisture. Inland areas north and west of Providence may briefly flirt with mixed precipitation if overnight temperatures dip near freezing.
The National Weather Service in Boston/Norton reports that a cold front early next week will signal the start of the transition, with daytime highs falling into the 40s and nighttime lows dropping into the 30s. Blustery northwest winds may gust over 25 mph at times, especially near the coast and Narragansett Bay, where brief coastal showers are likely.
Drivers along I-95, Route 146, and Route 4 should expect slower commutes during heavier showers and watch for slick surfaces during colder mornings. State emergency officials encourage residents to begin winterizing now — check heating systems, insulate exposed pipes, and secure outdoor furniture ahead of stronger winds.
With Thanksgiving travel less than three weeks away, meteorologists say Rhode Island’s cooling trend is a clear signal that winter is closing in fast — and preparations should begin before the next cold front sweeps through.
