Cold, Snowy Winter Ahead For Rhode Island, Extended Forecast Says

RHODE ISLAND — It’s hard to think about winter with Rhode Island temperatures in the high 70s. But a look ahead from the Farmers’ Almanac in its extended 2023-24 winter forecast suggests not only that “the BRRR is back,” but also that snow shovels will see plenty of action.

Rhode Island and the rest of New England could be in for lots of rain, sleet and snowstorms, according to the forecast. If the forecast holds true, the second week of February could be one to plan around, with snowfall, cold rain, and frigid temperatures impacting New England. There's also a chance of late-season snowfall during the third week of April.

The overall forecast calls for a snowier and colder winter ahead with the arrival of El Niño, a climate cycle that results in the unusual warming of equatorial Pacific Ocean waters. El Niño can have a range of effects, from heavy precipitation in some parts of the world and droughts in others, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Farmers’ Almanac said the start of meteorological winter on Dec. 1 — the winter solstice isn’t until Dec. 21 — is expected to usher in a snowy month, with blizzard conditions expected over northern New England and the North Central states, and as far south as New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Much of the Great Lakes, Midwest, and central and northern New England are expected to see below-average temperatures, along with lots of snowstorms, sleet, ice and rain, especially during January and February, according to the forecast.

The Great Plains and Rockies are expected to be cold with occasional storms, while the Pacific Northwest could experience an unusually stormy winter, according to the forecast. Depending on the strength of the El Niño, it could send snowy conditions to California and the entire Southwest, the forecast said.

Unusually cold weather is forecast for Texas in January and February, and the Southeast and Florida could see a wetter-than-normal winter with average temperatures, save a few frosts.