Sunshine in the morning won’t last. By early Friday afternoon, travelers and commuters across Providence and surrounding Rhode Island towns could find themselves caught in unexpected downpours, rolling thunderstorms, and slippery roads. The National Weather Service warns that scattered showers and storms will develop after 12 PM, just in time to disrupt lunch breaks, commutes, and end-of-week travel plans.
What’s Happening and When?
By late morning Friday, increasing clouds will give way to scattered showers and developing thunderstorms, especially across Providence County and surrounding areas. While not a washout, the window from 12 PM to 5 PM will be the most active, with some areas seeing quick bursts of heavy rain, thunder, and localized puddling.
The high temperature will hover around 71°F, but easterly winds and damp air will make it feel cooler and more unsettled as the storms move through.
Why This Storm System Matters
This isn’t just about getting wet—it’s about timing.
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Afternoon impact: Storms are forecast to hit right when school lets out, work commutes begin, and roads are busiest.
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I-95 and downtown Providence routes could become slick quickly, especially near on-ramps, bridges, and intersections.
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Visibility may drop suddenly, especially during intense cells with lightning or heavy rain.
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Even though no widespread flooding is forecast, urban puddling and storm drain backups are likely in low-lying areas.
What You Can Do Right Now
To avoid surprises later, take a few steps this morning:
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Check the radar by noon. Track approaching storms with weather apps or local news.
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Leave earlier or later than usual to avoid being on the road during the peak storm window.
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Use headlights and slow down—especially on highways or in high-traffic zones.
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Bring waterproof gear—umbrellas, jackets, and proper shoes can save you a soggy afternoon.
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Move outdoor plans inside—picnics, meetings, or patio dining are likely to get rained out.
Weekend Weather Sneak Peek
Friday night into Saturday:
Showers could linger into the evening with cooler temps around 60–62°F, keeping conditions damp through early Saturday morning.
Saturday:
Cloudy to start, with showers in the morning, tapering by midday. Highs climb into the mid-70s, offering a mild but grey afternoon.
Sunday:
Finally some sunshine! Mostly dry, partly cloudy skies and highs in the upper 70s should give you a better shot at outdoor plans—though clouds will hang around.
Bottom Line
This Friday might start quietly, but it won’t stay that way. Expect a shift from calm to stormy just after lunch, with wet roads, thunder, and soaked commutes becoming part of the afternoon experience. Whether you’re heading to work, picking up kids, or planning to run errands—build in buffer time and stay storm-smart.
