Providence Nears All-Time Winter Snow Record

More snow expected in the coming days as Rhode Island endures a record-breaking February.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Rhode Island is on the verge of setting a new all-time winter snow record, with February 2026 already the snowiest February on record for the Providence area with 42.2 inches of snowfall. The current meteorological winter of 2025-2026 is the second-snowiest on record with 67.8 inches, just behind the 73 inches that fell in the winter of 1996, which holds the record. More snow is expected this week, adding to the totals.

Why it matters

Rhode Island has been hit hard by a series of major winter storms this season, causing power outages and disrupting daily life for residents. Reaching a new all-time snow record would be a significant milestone, highlighting the extreme weather conditions the state has faced and the strain on local infrastructure and resources.

The details

After a record 37.9 inches of snow fell in the Providence area on Sunday and Monday, February 22-23, February 2026 has already become the snowiest February on record, surpassing the previous record of 31.8 inches set in February 2015. The National Weather Service is forecasting additional snow on Wednesday, February 25, and a slight chance of more on Friday, February 27, which could further add to the totals.

  • February 2026 is already the snowiest February on record for the Providence area with 42.2 inches.
  • The meteorological winter of 2025-2026 is currently the second-snowiest on record with 67.8 inches of snowfall.
  • The snowiest winter on record for the area was in 1996, with a total of 73 inches.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings and advisories.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

This winter's record-breaking snowfall in Rhode Island highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events driven by climate change, putting a strain on local communities and infrastructure. As the state nears an all-time snow record, it serves as a reminder of the need for proactive planning and investment to build resilience in the face of these challenges.