Hartford, Connecticut – Connecticut and Rhode Island are preparing for an extended stretch of Arctic cold that will settle in late January and linger into February, bringing some of the coldest conditions of the season with limited relief before Valentine’s Day. From the I-95 corridor and Narragansett Bay to inland river valleys, temperatures are expected to remain well below normal, especially at night.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperature outlooks spanning late January through at least February 13 strongly favor below-normal conditions across southern New England. Multiple outlook periods show Arctic air repeatedly reinforcing itself over the region, keeping cold firmly entrenched across both states.
In Hartford, daytime highs may struggle to rise out of the teens during the coldest stretches, while overnight lows frequently drop into the single digits. Wind along the Connecticut River Valley will drive wind chills even lower, particularly near exposed bridges and open stretches of I-84 and I-91. Along the shoreline, New Haven and New London may stay slightly milder, but stiff coastal winds will make conditions feel far colder. In Rhode Island, Providence and Warwick face similar patterns, with cold draining inland from Narragansett Bay and subzero wind chills possible near the Newport and Jamestown bridges during peak Arctic surges.
The prolonged cold increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for anyone spending extended time outdoors, including construction crews, utility workers, and those commuting on foot or by transit. Residents are urged to dress in layers, limit outdoor exposure, bring pets indoors, and protect plumbing from freezing. Drivers should carry winter emergency kits, especially when traveling rural roads or late at night.
While brief moderation may occur at times, long-range signals suggest meaningful relief may not arrive until after Valentine’s Day. Additional cold weather advisories remain possible as this deep winter pattern continues across Connecticut and Rhode Island.
