RI Weather: Snow Totals Still Uncertain For Winter Storm

RHODE ISLAND — Another round of wintry weather is taking aim at southern New England, bringing as much as a foot of snow to parts of the region. The storm will come after a wild temperature swing, dropping temperatures from near-record warmth.

Wednesday could see record-breaking temperatures, with temperatures expected to reach the high 60s by afternoon. Don't put away the parka yet, however, since temperatures will swing wildly by Wednesday night. Lows will drop to 25 degrees overnight, down by half from 12 hours earlier.

After partially sunny skies and chilly temperatures Thursday, the snow will start overnight, becoming heavy by Friday morning. Snowfall will be "moderate to heavy" during that time, the National Weather Service said, bringing as much as two inches per hour at times.

"Morning commute will be very difficult for all areas," the NWS said. "Evening commute could also be impacted, especially north of the [Massachusetts] Pike."

A winter storm watch will be in effect statewide throughout the day Friday, starting at midnight.

While nearly all of Massachusetts is expected to see eight inches to a foot of accumulation, the forecast is still uncertain for Rhode Island. The current map shows higher amounts in the top third of the state, with lower accumulations headed towards the southern coast. Except for Block Island, all of Rhode Island is expected to see at least four to six inches of snow by the time the storm clears up.