RI Snow Forecast: When It Will Arrive, How Much Will Fall

RHODE ISLAND — The much-promised first significant snowfall of the season is expected to land in Rhode Island this Friday.

Forecasts call for 4 to 6 inches of snow across much of the state, which would mark the first time this winter that Rhode Islanders will need their snow shovel for more than a dusting. With many teachers already out sick, there's a chance districts could opt for a snow day. A winter storm watch has been issued for the state, from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.

The National Weather Service has "high confidence" of accumulating snow starting Thursday night and continuing into Friday. The morning commute is expected to be affected, with hazardous conditions and low visibility likely.

According to the latest prediction, there's a 50 to 70 percent chance of greater than four inches of snow in Rhode Island, though there is still a high level of uncertainty due to the storm's track, NWS said.

Here's a look at the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

Wednesday Afternoon
Rain likely, mainly before 5 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 51. Southwest wind 11 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night
A chance of rain before 8 p.m. Patchy fog between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 40. West wind 7 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night
Snow, mainly after 3 a.m. Low around 28. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Friday
Snow, mainly before 11 a.m. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 35. Northwest wind 6 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 18. Northwest wind 10 to 13 mph.

Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 31. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph after midnight.

Sunday
A chance of snow before 8 a.m., then rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Breezy, with a southwest wind 11 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Sunday Night
Rain likely, mainly before 9 p.m. Cloudy, with a low around 28. Southwest wind 10 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.