Honestly, looking at a weather report for Warwick, RI, can be a bit of a trick. You’ve probably noticed that one minute you’re looking at a clear sky over Oakland Beach, and the next, a wall of gray is rolling in off Narragansett Bay. It’s not just you—Warwick has some of the most fickle weather in the Northeast.
Right now, as of Thursday night, January 15, 2026, things are staying pretty chilly. The current temperature is sitting at exactly 30°F, but it actually feels more like 23°F because of an 8 mph wind coming out of the northwest. It’s cloudy, and there’s a slight 10% chance of some stray snow flakes, but nothing that's going to require a shovel just yet.
The Narragansett Bay Factor
Most people don't realize how much the water messes with the numbers. Warwick is basically wrapped in the arms of the bay. Because the water takes longer to heat up and cool down than the land, it acts like a giant, natural radiator. This is why a Warwick weather report often shows temperatures a few degrees warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer compared to, say, Coventry or Foster.
But there’s a catch.
That same water can turn a simple rainstorm into a coastal flooding headache. If you live near the Pawtuxet River or the low-lying areas of the City Centre, you know the drill. High tides combined with a strong southwest wind can push water into places it really doesn't belong.
Breaking Down the Week Ahead
If you're planning your weekend, keep an eye on Saturday. We’ve had a weirdly warm Thursday with a high of 50°F, but that was a bit of an outlier. Friday, January 16, sees us crashing back to reality with a high of only 34°F and some gusty 17 mph west winds.
The real action happens on Saturday, January 17. We’re looking at a mix of rain and snow with a 40% chance of precipitation and a high of 43°F. It's that classic Rhode Island "slop" weather—not cold enough for a beautiful snow cover, but just cold enough to be miserable if you're stuck outside.
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By Tuesday, January 20, the bottom really drops out. We’re forecasting a high of only 20°F and a low of 14°F. It’ll be sunny, sure, but that’s the kind of "false spring" sun that doesn't actually provide any warmth.
Why T.F. Green Matters
When you check a weather report, the data is almost always coming from the station at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. This is the official "gold standard" for the state's climate data. However, if you’re down by the Warwick Neck Lighthouse, your reality might be totally different from what the airport sensors are picking up a few miles inland.
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The airport sits at about 54 feet of elevation. Down at the coast? You're dealing with much higher humidity and more direct wind exposure.
- Current Humidity: 56% (expect this to climb toward 76% by Sunday).
- Wind Direction: Currently Northwest, but shifting to Southwest for most of the weekend.
- Precipitation Type: Almost exclusively snow or "winter mix" for the next 10 days.
Misconceptions About Warwick Winters
A lot of folks think Warwick gets buried in snow every year. In reality, being closer to the bay often means we get the "rain-snow line" right over our heads. While Northern Rhode Island is getting a foot of powder, Warwick might just be getting a cold, salty mist.
That doesn't mean we're safe, though. Warwick still averages about 37 inches of snow annually. January is historically our coldest month, with average lows hovering around 22°F. This current stretch of weather is right on track with those long-term patterns, despite the brief spike to 50°F we saw today.
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Practical Steps for Warwick Residents
Since we're heading into a deep freeze followed by a messy Saturday, there are a few things to actually do instead of just watching the 12 News Pinpoint Doppler.
- Check the Sump Pump: With a mix of rain and snow on Saturday and temperatures hitting 43°F, you’re going to get significant runoff. Make sure your discharge line isn't frozen.
- Watch the Wind: Friday's 17 mph winds are enough to knock over empty trash bins or loose patio furniture. Secure the light stuff tonight.
- Prep for Tuesday: The jump from a 43°F Saturday to a 20°F Tuesday is a massive swing. If you have sensitive pipes in an unheated crawlspace, get the heat tape ready now.
- Coastal Residents: Keep an eye on the high tide charts for Saturday afternoon. With a 40% chance of precipitation and southwest winds at 11 mph, minor street flooding in the usual spots is a real possibility.
Basically, enjoy the clear skies while they last on Monday and Tuesday, but don't let the sun fool you—the real winter bite is just getting started.