Honestly, if you’re looking at the weather forecast Narragansett RI right now and thinking it’s just another cold New England weekend, you might want to look a little closer. This Friday, January 16, 2026, is actually delivering a bit of a psychological curveball. It’s 31°F outside. Not terrible, right? Except the west wind is cutting through at 14 mph, making it feel like 21°F. That’s the "Gansett Gap"—the difference between what the thermometer says and what your bones actually feel when you step out near the Wall.
Basically, we’re in a weird holding pattern before a messy weekend arrives. Today is staying mostly "partly sunny" with a high of 34°F. If you’re planning on a quick walk at the Town Beach, do it before the sun drops, because the low tonight hits 20°F.
Why Tomorrow is Going to be a Mess
Saturday, January 17, is where things get annoying. We’re looking at a high of 43°F, which sounds like a reprieve, but it’s coming with a 35% chance of rain during the day and light snow mixed in. The wind is shifting to the southwest at 16 mph. It’s that raw, damp cold that defines January in Rhode Island.
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Most people see "43 degrees" and think light jacket. Don’t do that. The humidity is jumping to 73%. You’ve probably noticed that when the moisture hits that salt air, the cold just sticks to you.
Sunday is looking even more "classic New England." We’ve got a high of 37°F and a 35% chance of actual snow during the day and night. The wind drops to about 7 mph, which is a mercy, but the humidity hits 81%. It’s going to be a heavy, wet slush kind of day.
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The Mid-Week Deep Freeze
If you think this weekend is chilly, Tuesday is going to be a wake-up call. We’re forecasting a high of only 21°F and a low of 12°F. Clear skies, but the wind stays out of the west.
By Wednesday, January 21, the wind kicks back up to 24 mph from the southwest. Even with a high of 33°F, that wind speed is going to make any outdoor activity feel like a chore.
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Current 10-Day Outlook at a Glance
- Friday (Today): High 34°F / Low 20°F. Partly sunny, west wind 16 mph.
- Saturday: High 43°F / Low 32°F. Light rain/snow mix.
- Sunday: High 37°F / Low 24°F. Snow likely.
- Monday: High 32°F / Low 16°F. Mostly sunny.
- Tuesday: High 21°F / Low 12°F. Sunny and bitter.
- Wednesday: High 33°F / Low 13°F. Mostly cloudy, wind gusts up to 24 mph.
- Thursday: High 33°F / Low 19°F. Light snow, 45% chance.
What Most People Get Wrong About Coastal Forecasts
There’s this misconception that being right on the water keeps Narragansett "warmer." While it’s true the ocean has a moderating effect compared to, say, Foster-Glocester, it also means we deal with higher wind chill and sea smoke. When that 12°F air hits the relatively "warmer" ocean water on Tuesday night, expect to see that eerie mist rising off the bay.
Mariners are already under a Gale Warning through Friday afternoon. We’re seeing west winds 15 to 25 knots with gusts up to 35 knots. If you have a boat in the water at South Ferry or near the breachway, you should have already secured it. Hazardous waves are no joke when the wind is coming straight out of the west like this.
Survival Tips for the Next 72 Hours
Winter in Rhode Island isn't just about the temperature; it's about the infrastructure. With the humidity spiking this weekend, those Saturday night lows of 30°F are perfect for creating black ice on Ocean Road.
- Check your pipes now. With Tuesday’s low hitting 12°F, any exposed plumbing in older Narragansett cottages is at risk. Let the faucets drip.
- Layer for the "Feel." Don't dress for 34°F today; dress for the 21°F wind chill.
- Watch the Tides. While there are no active coastal flood advisories for this specific window, the wind shifts on Saturday (southwest) often push more water into the bay. Keep an eye on the high tide cycles if you live in low-lying spots near Great Island.
The weather is looking pretty consistent for a New England January—cold, windy, and a bit unpredictable with the precipitation. Honestly, just keep the snow shovel by the door. You're going to need it by Sunday afternoon.