Freezing Rain Concerns Grow For CT: Timeline, New Details Released

Find out the latest forecast for wintry weather and the weekend outlook, according to meteorologists.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Northern areas of Connecticut could get freezing rain tonight, which could lead to slippery conditions for the Friday morning commute, according to meteorologists. Winter weather advisories are in effect from 5 p.m. Thursday to noon on Friday for the Connecticut River Valley, and Hartford, Litchfield, Tolland and Windham counties, with predictions of rain, snow, sleet, and freezing rain that could result in ice accumulation and slippery road conditions.

Why it matters

Freezing rain can create hazardous driving conditions, leading to potential delays, accidents, and disruptions to the morning commute. This weather event is particularly concerning for northern Connecticut, where the risk of ice accumulation is higher.

The details

The National Weather Service is predicting rain and mixed precipitation in northern Connecticut, with snow and sleet leading to slippery road conditions. Freezing rain could lead to an accumulation of ice, ranging between a trace and three-tenths of an inch in northern Connecticut. Snow accumulation will be less than an inch in northern Connecticut. The precipitation is expected to remain as rain in southern Connecticut, but a changeover to sleet and freezing rain is anticipated in northern sections overnight.

  • Winter weather advisories are in effect from 5 p.m. Thursday to noon on Friday for the Connecticut River Valley, and Hartford, Litchfield, Tolland and Windham counties.
  • Tonight, as some colder air drains southward into CT, freezing rain becomes a concern, especially in inland parts of the state, across the NW and NE hills.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency that provides weather forecasts and warnings for the United States.

WFSB

A television station serving the Hartford-New Haven media market in Connecticut.

WTNH

A television station serving the New Haven-Waterbury-Meriden media market in Connecticut.

Ned Lamont

The Governor of Connecticut.

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What’s next

Gov. Ned Lamont is activating Connecticut's Severe Cold Weather Protocol starting at 5 p.m. today and lasting until noon Friday, due to the forecast for sleet and freezing rain. Anyone who needs shelter or a warming center should visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1.

The takeaway

This weather event highlights the importance of being prepared for winter driving conditions, especially in northern Connecticut where the risk of ice accumulation is higher. Residents should monitor weather forecasts, heed any advisories or warnings, and take necessary precautions to ensure safe travel during the Friday morning commute.