If you were dreaming of burgers on the grill, sunny skies, and a beach towel this Memorial Day weekend, you may want to hit pause on the planning. After a relatively dry start to the week, a powerful surge of showers is expected to sweep into Providence by Wednesday night, with heavy rain, flood risks, and soggy conditions likely to linger through Saturday.
The timing couldn’t be worse for holiday travelers and outdoor events, as the rain arrives just before the long weekend begins. Meteorologists are sounding the alarm about possible localized flooding, especially with rain expected to be heavy at times Thursday into early Saturday. Providence could be facing a disruptive stretch of wet weather that puts everything from parades to cookouts at risk.
Breakdown of the Forecast: Day by Day
Wednesday Night (May 21):
Clouds begin to build, and the first round of showers could move in late. Rain chances spike after midnight, setting the stage for a soggy Thursday morning commute.
Thursday (May 22):
Expect steady rain for much of the day—possibly heavy at times. Highs will stay stuck near 51°F, making it feel more like early spring than late May. Roads will be slick, and poor drainage areas could begin to flood.
Friday (May 23):
Scattered showers continue throughout the day. Temperatures edge slightly higher to about 59°F, but persistent cloud cover and dampness will keep things feeling dreary.
Saturday (May 24):
Still unsettled. On-and-off rain remains possible, especially in the morning. Flood watches could remain in place depending on how much rain falls on Thursday and Friday. Highs around 61°F.
Sunday (May 25):
Finally, a break. Clouds begin to part, and sunshine starts to return. Highs rise to around 66°F, and conditions should start drying out across most of the region.
Memorial Day Monday (May 26):
This could be the payoff day. Mostly sunny skies, highs in the low 70s, and a welcome return to dry conditions—perfect for rescheduled gatherings and backyard celebrations.
Flood Watches and Safety Warnings: What You Need to Know
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for most of Rhode Island starting Friday night through Saturday evening. With several rounds of rain expected, there’s real concern about excessive runoff leading to water pooling on roads and flooding in low-lying neighborhoods.
Here’s how to stay ahead of the weather:
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Don’t drive through standing water. Even a few inches can cause your car to stall—or worse.
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Clear your storm drains and gutters. Blockages could back up water into basements or yards.
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Check your weekend plans. If you’re hosting or attending outdoor events, be ready for last-minute changes or relocation.
Looking Beyond the Storm
While the start of the weekend looks washed out, the latter half redeems itself. By Sunday afternoon, skies begin to clear, and temperatures finally climb back toward seasonal averages. Memorial Day itself looks dry, warm, and sunny—the kind of weather we were hoping for all along.
If your plans can shift, reschedule major outdoor activities to Sunday or Monday. Those will be the best days for barbecues, beach trips, and parades.
Bottom Line: Plan for Rain, Hope for Sun
Rhode Island is no stranger to sudden weather swings, and this week is a textbook case. A dry start turns into days of steady rain, right before the biggest weekend of the season. Stay flexible, stay informed, and most importantly, stay dry.
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