Polar Vortex Headed To RI: When Spring Freeze Arrives

RHODE ISLAND — After a return to a spring preview this weekend, a blast of cold air is headed to Rhode Island to start next week.

The polar vortex, usually associated with winter weather, will move in from Canada, bringing a return to wintry temperatures. Monday's highs are expected to top out only a few degrees above freezing, an approximately 20-degree drop from the day before.

After dropping below freezing Monday night, temperatures will recover slightly on Tuesday, with afternoon highs reaching the low 40s.

Besides just being unnecessarily cold as we meander our way to April, the sudden drastic chill means anyone who may have already started planting season should bring the vegetation inside.

"The chill following any cold fronts looks to be normal or unremarkable for the middle two weeks of April, but there is the risk for more jet stream dips with bigger cold shots later in April or early May and that could then set the stage for late-season frosts moving forward in the Northeast," AccuWeather meteorologist Paul Pastelok said.

Patch editor Mike Carraggi contributed to this report.