Providence, RI – The calm before the chill doesn’t last long in southern New England this week. Rhode Island is preparing for a quick-hitting rain-to-snow changeover Thursday afternoon, followed by a noticeable drop into the low 20s by nightfall.
According to the National Weather Service, a weak clipper system will push through the region Thursday, bringing scattered rain showers that may briefly transition to snow as temperatures fall behind the front. While accumulations will stay minimal, the rapid cooldown could lead to slick patches on bridges and shaded back roads by early Friday morning.
Southwest winds up to 30 mph will make it feel colder than the mid-30s highs suggest, and Friday’s sunshine will do little to warm things up — highs stay around 34°F, with wind chills dipping into the 20s. Drivers should plan for possible flash-freeze conditions, particularly along I-95 and Route 146, as any lingering moisture ices over before dawn Friday.
Looking ahead, the weekend brings dry, bright skies but continued cold. Highs will reach the upper 30s Saturday, with lows in the mid-20s. Long-range models hint at another round of Arctic air sweeping into New England from December 13–17, possibly delivering the coldest stretch yet of this early winter.
Five-Day Outlook for Providence, RI
- Thursday: Breezy, rain changing to snow, high 37°F, low 22°F.
- Friday: Sunny, brisk, high 34°F, low 21°F.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high 37°F, low 25°F.
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 40°F, crisp morning lows near 28°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 33°F, colder late.
