People in Providence, RI are especially likely to experience increased risks from precipitation, heat, and drought.

Precipitation risk in Providence, RI is extreme. Heat risk is high. Drought risk is significant. About 15% of buildings in Providence, RI are at risk of flooding, and the risk level for these buildings is significant. About 2% of buildings in Providence, RI are at risk of wildfire, and the risk level for these buildings is relatively low.

Fire and flood risk can vary significantly for individual properties within a city. Check your address for detailed heat, storm, fire, drought, and flood risk through 2050.

An extreme storm for Providence, RI is a 48-hour rainfall total greater than 1.1 inches. Historically, about 18.8" of rain (or the equivalent in snow) fell over about 10 storms each year. By 2050, about 23.0" of rain are projected over about 14 storms each year. The annual precipitation in Providence, RI is projected to increase from about 46.9" to about 51.4".

Extreme precipitation in any form can pose significant risks. Climate change increases the potential for extreme rainfall or snowfall because warmer air can hold more water vapor. See more information on storm risk. Property owners can take steps to reduce their risks from extreme precipitation.

In a typical year between 1985-2005, people in Providence, RI experienced about 7 days above 89.8ºF in a year. By 2050, people in Providence are projected to experience an average of about 28 days per year over 89.8ºF.

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves, even in places with cooler average temperatures. See more information on heat risk. Everyone can take steps to reduce their risks from extreme heat.

The Narragansett watershed, which contains Providence, RI, has experienced 359 weeks (32% of weeks) since 2000 with some of its area in drought of any level, and 18 weeks (2% of weeks) since 2000 with some of its area in Extreme or Exceptional drought. Source: National Drought Monitor.

Climate change is increasing the risk of drought. Water stress (the ratio of water demand to supply) depends on how water utilities source water and their plans to adapt to climate change. Property owners can also take steps to reduce their risks from drought.

Of 123 census tracts in Providence, RI, there are 2 where more than half of buildings have significant risk from storm surge, high tide flooding, surface (pluvial) flooding, and riverine (fluvial) flooding.Property owners can check a specific address for flood risk including FEMA flood zone, then take steps to reduce their vulnerability to flooding damage.

Climate change is increasing inland and coastal flooding risk due to sea level rise and increasing chances of extreme precipitation. See more information on flooding risk.

Of 123 census tracts in Providence, RI, there are 2 where more than a quarter of buildings have significant fire risk. Property owners can take steps to mitigate their risks from wildfires.

Fire risk depends on proximity to vegation: densely developed urban areas have a much lower risk of burning than areas adjacent to wildland. Climate change increases risks from wildfire by creating hotter, drier conditions for fires to spread. ClimateCheck ratings of fire risk are based on projected weather conditions and U.S. Forest Service models simulating fire behavior.