So, you’re looking at the weather forecast Westerly Rhode Island and seeing "mostly sunny." Seems simple, right?
Honestly, it rarely is.
If you’ve lived here long enough, you know the "Westerly Wobble." That’s the unofficial term for when the TV meteorologist in Providence promises a dusting of snow, but you end up shoveling eight inches because the storm tracked just five miles closer to Watch Hill than expected. Living on the edge of the Atlantic means the weather isn't just a daily report—it’s a mood.
Right now, as of mid-January 2026, we’re sitting in a weird pocket. Today started off at a crisp 44°F, feeling more like 39°F thanks to a 13 mph southwest wind. It’s "mostly sunny" for the moment, but if you look at the 10-day outlook, things are getting messy fast.
The 10-Day Reality Check
Don’t get too comfortable with the sun. Tomorrow, Friday the 16th, the temperature is going to tank. We’re looking at a high of only 33°F.
The real kicker? Saturday.
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The current weather forecast Westerly Rhode Island for Saturday, January 17th, shows a 65% chance of a rain-snow mix. That’s the worst kind of Westerly weather. It’s not pretty enough to be a winter wonderland, and it’s too cold to be a refreshing rain. It’s just slush.
And looking further out to Saturday, January 24th, there’s already a "heavy snow storm" signal on the radar with a 75% chance of precipitation. If that northeast wind holds at 13 mph, we might actually see a real accumulation this time.
Why the "Official" Forecast Often Misses the Mark
Why is it so hard to get it right here? Basically, it’s the water.
Westerly sits in a unique microclimate. While northern Rhode Island (places like Woonsocket or Foster) gets hammered with "continental" weather, we’re stuck in the "Oceanic" zone. The ocean is like a giant thermal blanket. It stays warmer than the land in the winter and cooler in the summer.
This means:
- The Snow Line Struggle: We are almost always on the "rain/snow line." A two-degree difference determines if you're building a snowman or cleaning out your gutters.
- The Sea Breeze Cooling: In July, when Providence is baking at 95°F, Westerly is often a breezy 80°F.
- The Humidity Factor: Our humidity often hovers around 70-80%, making the cold feel deeper and the heat feel stickier.
Dr. Marshall Shepherd, a well-known meteorologist, often points out that people remember the one wrong forecast more than the ten right ones. But in Westerly, the margin for error is razor-thin because of the Pawcatuck River and the open Atlantic.
Seasonal Breakdown: What to Actually Expect
If you’re planning a trip or just trying to figure out when to put the deck furniture away, here’s the raw data for our corner of the state.
Spring (March – May):
Expect mud. March is actually our windiest month, averaging 17 mph gusts. It’s the season of "false spring," where it hits 60°F on Monday and snows on Wednesday. The last frost usually hits between April 21st and 30th.
Summer (June – August):
This is why people pay the big bucks to be here. July is the hottest month, but the average high is a manageable 80°F. It’s rarely oppressive. However, humidity peaks here, often hitting 79%.
Fall (September – November):
September is actually our wettest month on average (about 3.87 inches of rain). It’s also hurricane season. If the weather forecast Westerly Rhode Island mentions a "tropical depression" anywhere near the Carolinas, start clearing your yard.
Winter (December – February):
January is the coldest, with lows averaging 23°F. We get about 20 to 40 inches of snow a year, which is significantly less than the 60 inches they see up north.
Preparing for the "Big One"
Westerly isn't just about pretty sunsets at Misquamicut. We deal with real coastal erosion. The shoreline has changed drastically since the Hurricane of '38 and more recently, Superstorm Sandy.
If a serious storm shows up in the forecast, the town doesn't mess around.
- Evacuation Routes: Look for the blue and white signs. They lead away from the low-lying beach areas toward higher ground.
- Shelter: The Westerly Senior Center on State Street is the go-to Red Cross-approved spot.
- The "Go-Kit": You need three days of supplies. Not just bread and milk—think batteries, meds, and copies of your insurance.
- Boats and RVs: The town sometimes opens Cimalore Field for temporary storage if a hurricane is imminent.
Actionable Steps for Westerly Residents
Don't just look at the icon on your iPhone. It’s notoriously bad for coastal towns.
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Check the Westerly State Airport (KWST) Feed. This is the most local data you can get. If the barometer is dropping fast there, the weather is about to turn, regardless of what the "national" apps say.
Sign up for CodeRED. The town uses this for emergency alerts. If there’s a flood warning for the Pawcatuck, you’ll want it on your phone before the water hits your basement.
Watch the Wind Direction. A southwest wind usually brings in the humidity and milder air. A northeast wind (the classic "Nor'easter") is the one that brings the coastal flooding and heavy snow.
Staying ahead of the weather forecast Westerly Rhode Island requires a bit of local skepticism. Trust the ocean, watch the wind, and always keep a shovel and a raincoat in the trunk—sometimes you’ll need both on the same day.