RI Weather Outlook: Frigid Temps Projected For This Week

RHODE ISLAND — If you thought Tuesday was cold enough, just wait for it. Bitter cold temperatures are heading for New England, and they're not going anywhere. Yep, on the heels of the Christmas snow dump, these low temps will be with us through the weekend. Weather forecasters are using the word "arctic" to describe this week.

Highs Wednesday will be in the low 20s, dipping into the teens on Thursday. If those are the highs, the bad news is really for the lows. Wind chill factors will drop "real-feel" temperatures below zero in some areas. Check out the map below, which is covered in a lot of blue for "burrrr."

It looks like Block Island is the warmest spot in the state Wednesday and Thursday (not counting the wind).

Forecasters from Weather.com are talking about a possible snow storm this weekend thanks to another coastal storm. But we'll get to that later.

The takeaway? Bundle up this week. Wear layers, hats, mittens and scarves to avoid hypothermia and frost bite. Check out this chart from the weather service showing how long it takes to get frostbite with exposed skin in various conditions.

Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch