Snow in Rhode Island: When It Happens and How Rare

Rhode Island’s weather can surprise people in spring, especially when it comes to snow.

• Last Winter’s Highlights
  The previous winter featured two heavy storms in January and February that forced residents to use shovels.

• Late‑Season Snow Is Rare
  A late‑season snow event is very unlikely now, yet the state has recorded snowfall in Providence as late as May.

• Historical Record
  The National Weather Service keeps a record of the latest snow, dating back to 1977 when snowfall fell on May 10.
  In recent times, snow fell in April on 18th of 2020, and Massachusetts might get a few flakes over the coming weekend.

• Typical Snow Season
  In most years, Providence has finished its snow season by now.
• First measurable snowfall (≥ 0.1 inch) typically occurs around November 30.

• The last one is usually by March 27.

• National Weather Service Tracking (since 1932)
• Earliest snowfall on record: October 10, 1979.

• Latest snowfall on record: May 10, 1977.

• Recent Trends (2001‑Present)
• Earliest measurable snowfall since 2001: October 29, 2011.
• Most recent snowfall: April 18, 2020.

These dates show that while spring snow is rare, it can still occur and even extend into late April or early May under the right conditions.