Bitter Cold for RI This Weekend Could Break Records

You might want to throw an extra log on the fire this Valentine’s Day as a surge of Arctic air will bring bitterly cold temperatures to Rhode Island this weekend.

Sunday morning wind chills could be as low as -22 degrees and the daytime high on Sunday will struggle to reach the mid-teens during the cold snap that might break records, according to the National Weather Service.

Residents are being warned of cold-weather dangers including frostbite risks, frozen pipes and pets left outdoors for more than a few minutes.

“When it gets this cold, frostbite can occur within 30 minutes if you’re not dressed properly,” the weather service said in a post on its Facebook page. “Remember to wear layers and don’t forget the hat and gloves! Make sure you keep your car’s gas tank at least half full to prevent the fuel lines from freezing.”

The record cold ”high” temperature for Valentine’s Day in Providence was set in 1979 at 10 degrees. The low, also in 1979, was -7. The record ”cold” high temperature for Feb. 13 was also set in 1979 at 10 degrees.

There is a possibility state and local authorities will designate warming centers during the cold snap, and some already have, such as Newport, which has five locations designated as of Thursday. In the meantime, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency has shared some extreme cold preparedness tips, which include information about the symptoms and treatment for frostbite and hypothermia.

We could potentially see record low temperatures for Rhode Island this weekend,” said Peter Gaynor, Director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. “Therefore, if you must venture outside, dress for the conditions by covering yourself up as much as possible. Wear proper hats and gloves, cover your face and neck, and dress in warm layers. Additionally, make sure that you have sufficient heating fuel for the next few days. If you experience a loss of your heating source and need emergency heating, contact your local municipalities or dial 2-1-1.”

The worst of the cold will be felt on Sunday, but the deep freeze already began on Thursday. The low on Friday will dip into the single digits overnight and the high on Friday will only reach the mid 20s.

Temperatures will reach the mid-teens Friday night and Saturday’s high will only reach 20 near the water and the mid-teens inland.