PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A clear and frosty Thursday morning marks the calm before a quick pattern change across Rhode Island and southern New England. A bright, chilly end to the workweek will give way to a wet and breezy weekend, affecting travelers along I-95 and nearby routes.
Clear and Calm End to the Week
The National Weather Service in Norton, Massachusetts, reports that Thursday will stay mostly sunny with highs near 49°F and light west winds around 8 mph. Skies remain clear and crisp through the day, offering ideal conditions for commuters and early shoppers.
Friday follows a similar trend, with temperatures in the mid-40s and light winds creating one of the last comfortable late-fall days before unsettled weather arrives. Frost may still appear overnight, especially in rural areas where calm winds and clear skies allow temperatures to dip into the upper 20s.
Weekend Weather Turns Wet
By Saturday night, a new system sweeps up from the Mid-Atlantic, spreading rain across southern New England. Showers are expected to begin after sunset and last into Sunday morning, bringing damp and slick conditions for early travelers along I-95, Route 146, and Route 6.
“We’re watching a quick-moving low that will bring rain and gusty winds late Saturday into early Sunday,” forecasters at the National Weather Service noted.
Gusts may reach 20 mph behind the system, especially along coastal Rhode Island, as temperatures fall back into the 40s. The rain is expected to taper off by midday Sunday, giving way to cooler, drier air to start the new week.
Impacts for Holiday Travel
With holiday season traffic beginning to pick up, motorists should be mindful of wet roads and reduced visibility during the Saturday night–Sunday morning window. Shoppers and travelers heading south toward Connecticut or New York should plan for delays, while those staying local can expect lighter rain totals—generally under half an inch.
Umbrellas and light jackets will be essential this weekend. While Sunday offers a brief rebound to mid-50s, temperatures will drop sharply again by Monday morning, reaching the low 30s as a new cold, dry air mass takes hold.
Fading Solar Storm Brings Minor Disruptions
The G4 solar storm that painted the skies with Northern Lights earlier this week continues to fade, though minor GPS and radio signal disruptions remain possible across the Northeast. The aurora has shifted northward, and no further geomagnetic alerts are currently expected.
Five-Day Forecast for Providence, RI
- Thursday: 49° / 32° – Mostly sunny, crisp and dry.
- Friday: 46° / 28° – Sunny, calm; pleasant late-fall day.
- Saturday: 45° / 34° – Clouds increasing; rain likely after sunset.
- Sunday: 55° / 34° – Rain early; gusty west winds and cooler afternoon.
- Monday: 48° / 32° – Mostly sunny; colder air returns.
As Rhode Islanders move deeper into November, this weekend’s system serves as a reminder that winter’s chill is not far off. Keep travel plans flexible and stay updated through local weather alerts for the latest on timing and impacts.
What are your weekend travel plans along I-95? Share your updates and experiences in the comments below.
