This afternoon, we can expect wintry weather to arrive tonight, bringing a messy mix of precipitation to our area that will eventually change to cold rain by dawn. To prepare for expected slippery travel, a Winter Weather Advisory has been put in place for northern and western parts of our area, including Providence County, Western Kent County, and northern Bristol County in MA, from 7 PM this evening until 7 PM Saturday. Towns and cities in the advisory include Foster, Smithfield, Providence, Coventry, West Greenwich, Taunton, and Attleboro. While northern RI may accumulate 1-3 inches, the rest of the area can expect only a small accumulation that will wash away as we change to rain from south to north. As we progress into Saturday, wind will increase with gusts of 40-50mph expected along the coast.
In terms of travel, it should be fine until this evening’s commute as it will remain dry. After that, a mixture of wet snow and sleet will arrive after 9 PM, leading to some accumulation and possible travel impacts. However, as the night continues, we will experience a changeover to sleet and eventually rain, starting at the coast and moving further inland. By dawn, we expect a change to rain throughout northern RI.
Throughout the weekend, we can anticipate lingering showers and gusty winds on Saturday, but Sunday will be dry and cool with highs in the low 40s. Lows will fall into the 20s Saturday night, and there may be a few icy spots late. A Wind Advisory is in effect along the coast with a High Wind Warning for the Cape. Strong gusts of up to 50mph may occur at the RI coast, and up to 60mph may happen during the day Saturday on Cape Cod. Strong east and northeasterly gusts will cause water to push along the shore, possibly leading to minor flooding during high tide on Saturday morning.