First RI snowstorm of year to arrive just as February ends

Editor's note: For our most recent weather report check out: The first true snowstorm of the season blanketed Rhode Island. Here's what to expect today

Normally, when the end of February rolls around, we've about had it with snowstorms and a forecast for more snow brings a sense of snow fatigue, but this year is different.

With 4 to 8 inches forecast Monday night into Tuesday — bringing the possibility of exceeding all the snow so far this winter — some folks are positively giddy, treating the approaching storm almost like some sort of unofficial holiday.

Whatever falls, though, will be gone soon. The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures in the mid 40s to low 50s for Wednesday and Thursday, with rain Wednesday night into Thursday.

Here are the inch counts: How much snow did Rhode Island cities and towns get? Here are the inch counts

Here's a look at history:Can you guess how much snow Providence got on its snowiest day?

As of early Monday, Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport has received 0.8 inches of snow in February, raising the total for the winter season — which meteorologists mark starting Dec. 1 — to 5.7 inches.

When will it start snowing in Rhode Island?

Snow is expected to start across Rhode Island between 9 and 11 p.m. Monday, according to weather service meteorologist Alan Dunham, with the heaviest snow falling overnight and with the heaviest impacts on the morning commute.

Although the forecast calls for 4 to 8 inches, Dunham said he expects the totals to be toward the lower end of the range in the Providence area.

Winter Storm Warning:

Still, The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning that will be in effect from 7 p.m. Monday to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Where: Portions of northern Connecticut, central, eastern and western Massachusetts and northern and southern Rhode Island.

When: From 7 PM this evening to 7 PM EST Tuesday.

Impact: "Travel will be very difficult Monday night. The hazardous conditions will impact the Tuesday morning commute. Rising temperatures and lighter snow will result in road conditions slowly improving Tuesday afternoon.

Additional Details: Snow overspreads Connecticut and western-central Massachusetts between 7 pm and 10 pm, then 10 pm to 1 am across Rhode Island. The heaviest snow and lowest visibility occurs from late Monday evening into the overnight. Snow continues to accumulate Tuesday, but at a lighter intensity.

Does your town have a parking ban? Here's where to leave your car during a snowstorm in RI

How will the weather impact the Tuesday morning commute in Rhode Island?

According to the National Weather Service, the snow will fall heaviest between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. making travel difficult early on Tuesday. According to the Weather Service, "Expect slow travel on the roads for the Tuesday morning commute."

Watch:See road conditions in RI with these live traffic cameras

Will it snow or rain in Rhode Island?

Although forecasters are calling for heavy snow overnight, the precipitation may shift to rain later in the day Tuesday, "Snow continues through Tuesday afternoon although will change to rain across portions of the coastal plain, east of I-95 as temperatures across southern New England rise above freezing. By afternoon, roadways should be in better condition for the Tuesday afternoon commute."

What schools are canceled in Rhode Island?

Many schools in Rhode Island have already canceled classes on Tuesday in anticipation of a messy commute Tuesday Morning.

While several like Pascoag and Cumberland have canceled classes, others like East Providence and Central Falls public schools have elected to do distance learning days.

For an up-to-date list of school cancelations and distance learning: Click here.

Does my RI town have a parking ban because of the snowstorm?

Many towns have also issued overnight parking bans, some extending through Wednesday morning.

For a complete list of parking bans issued around Rhode Island: Click here.

Unless you're lucky enough to live somewhere with off-street parking, a weather forecast that calls for several inches of snow means that you should probably start thinking about where you're going to put your car.

Providence bans all street parking during snowstorms, as do many other Rhode Island communities. If you're new to the state, or it's your first winter living in a building that doesn't have its own designated parking area, it can be hard to figure out what you're supposed to do with your car.

Don't want to pay for parking? Here are some strategies to try during a snowstorm

It's the first snowstorm of the season. Here's how to make the best of it:

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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Weather: Snowstorm Monday night will impact travel Tuesday