News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a frost advisory for most of Rhode Island as temperatures are expected to fall to 29 degrees Fahrenheit overnight. This warning affects key areas such as Providence and Newport, urging residents to protect sensitive plants and outdoor plumbing from potential frost damage. The advisory highlights a significant weather shift following recent warm temperatures and indicates a possible change in seasonal weather patterns. Precautions are recommended, as colder temperatures influenced by a polar vortex signal an approaching winter.
Rhode Island Under Frost Advisory as Temperatures Expected to Drop to 29 Degrees
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Frost Advisory for most of Rhode Island, anticipating temperatures could plummet to as low as 29 degrees Fahrenheit during the night. This advisory is in effect from 11 PM Thursday, Oct. 9, until 9 AM EDT Friday, Oct. 10.
This sharp change in weather follows recent warm temperatures that many Rhode Islanders have enjoyed. However, the impending frost poses a significant threat to sensitive outdoor vegetation, including flowers and crops that may not survive if left uncovered.
The advisory includes several key areas within the state, notably Bristol, East Greenwich, Warwick, Newport, West Warwick, Providence, and Vineyard Haven. Residents in these locations are urged to take precautions to protect their plants and potentially vulnerable outdoor plumbing from frost damage.
Understanding the Timing of Frost
Historically, the average date for Providence’s first frost is around October 23. The earliest recorded frost in Rhode Island occurred on September 30, 1951, while the latest was noted on November 18, 2000. This recent advisory indicates a likely shift in seasonal weather patterns, as the state has yet to experience temperatures below 32 degrees this season. If frost does not occur on Thursday night, climatological averages suggest it is likely to occur within the next month.
Weather Patterns Influencing Frost Formation
The current cold temperatures are being influenced by a polar vortex, which is signaling a transition towards winter weather across the United States. The NWS has indicated that sub-freezing temperatures are more probable away from the immediate coastline, where warmer ocean waters typically moderate the air temperature.
Precautionary Measures Recommended
Future Weather Outlook
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Polar Vortex and Frost Advisory
- Weather.com: 10-Day Forecast for Providence, RI
- GoLocalProv: Winter Weather Advisory
- WPRI: Weather Now for Thursday, Oct. 9
- Providence Journal: Potential Frost Damage to Plants
- Wikipedia: Frost
- Google Search: Rhode Island Weather Forecast
- Google Scholar: Impact of Frost on Crops
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Google News: Rhode Island Frost Advisory
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
