Weekend Snow, Polar Vortex Arctic Blast To Hit RI With Winter Wallop

RHODE ISLAND — The harshest weather of this winter is on the way to Rhode Island over the next few days, as a piece of polar vortex cold does not spare New England, as it envelopes the country early next week.

Temperatures will struggle to reach 20 degrees for a two-plus-day stretch late next Monday night into Wednesday, with overnight lows near zero and wind chills struggling to escape the single digits each day, according to AccuWeather.

"The cold outbreak will occur right smack in the middle of what is historically the coldest part of the winter," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bob Larson said.

As the frigid air passes over open waters, ice will increase on rivers, ponds and lakes. However, the ice buildup may be gradual, so the ice could be dangerously thin for a time.

"The frigid air may set the stage for significant ice jams in the weeks ahead with some rebound in temperatures and thaws likely for February," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham warned. "The level and extensiveness of the frigid air may be tough to match the rest of the winter."

There will be a bit of a reprieve before that, however, with lighter winds making it feel less bitter on Thursday despite highs of freezing.

Temperatures will rise to the high-30s with light wind on Friday and then soar into the mid 40s on Saturday with a bout of rain moving through New England later in the day.

The first half of Sunday is shaping up to be pleasant, with highs near 41 before a swath of snow moves into southern New England later Sunday into early Monday, according to the National Weather Service. While not a major storm, the roads could get messy, with rain mixing into and eventually turning into snow.

Monday will be sunny and colder with a high of 24 degrees before the brunt of the arctic air arrives Monday night and lasts through Wednesday.

AccuWeather said Tuesday will have a high of 17 degrees, with northwest winds making it feel even colder.

Wednesday will be another frigid one with highs near 20 and a persistent west wind.

Temperatures should moderate toward the end of next week, with AccuWeather providing some hope with long-range experts saying that a warming trend is expected by the end of January into early February.

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