Tony Petrarca

Chief Meteorologist at WPRI-TV (Providence, RI)

Chief Meteorologist at WLWC-TV (Providence, RI)

Chief Meteorologist, 38+ years at WPRI TV and FOX Providence R.I. On Air Weeknights At 4:00, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00pm 6:30, 10:00 and 11:00pm. Comments Are My Own .

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Articles

What's the outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season?

3 weeks ago | wpri.com | Tony Petrarca |Shaun Towne

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - For the second straight year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted we'll see an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. The season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Last year, we had 18 named storms, some of which caused significant inland flooding. The current outlook for 2025 calls for 13 to 19 named storms in the Atlantic basin, with 6 to 10 of those becoming hurricanes and three to five being major hurricanes.
How often should you water your plants?

4 weeks ago | wpri.com | Tony Petrarca |Mike Montecalvo |Shaun Towne

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - In our latest Beyond the Forecast special, 12 News Chief Meteorologist Tony Petrarca and special guest anchor Mike Montecalvo offer tips and tricks for your vegetable garden, from how to get started to how the weather can impact your plants. In the video above, Tony and Mike discuss how often you should water your garden. Watch the full show on WPRI.com or on the WPRI 12+ TV app.
Spring nor'easter on Thursday

1 month ago | wpri.com | Tony Petrarca |Kim Kalunian |Emily Brennan

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - While we usually think of nor'easters as winter storms, one will be impacting our area on Thursday, May 22. Widespread, sometimes heavy rain will be an issue throughout the day, along with strong wind gusts. Localized street flooding, minor beach erosion and isolated power outages are possible.
Beyond the Forecast: Talking Spring Things

2 months ago | wpri.com | Tony Petrarca |Catie McNeil |Lee Dooley

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - In this full-length Beyond the Forecast, 12 News Meteorologists Tony Petrarca and Catie McNeil talk about spring things and take a look ahead at what's expected for spring 2025. In the video above, Tony and Catie discuss insects, pollen, allergies, air temperatures, water temperatures, precipitation, sunsets, when to plant, and everything you're curious about as we celebrate and prepare for the exciting season marked by warming and renewal.
A look back at major weather events

Mar 26, 2025 | wpri.com | T.J. Del Santo |Tony Petrarca

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Covering big weather events has been very important over the last seven decades at WPRI 12. WPRI 12 was supposed to start broadcasting in 1954, but Hurricane Carol caused a delay, and the signal finally hit the airwaves in 1955. In the video above, meteorologists T.J. Del Santo and Tony Petrarca discussed the big storms we've seen over the years. Go here to see more coverage of WPRI 12's 70th anniversary.
Breezy Frigid Overnight Through Dawn

Feb 18, 2025 | wpri.com | Tony Petrarca

Good Wednesday Morning.... BRRRRRR....Very cold air continues Wednesday with wind chills will be dipping below zero around dawn. Winds not as strong as yesterday. Lots of sunshine, but highs only mid to upper 20s by afternoon. An offshore storm Thursday not expected to have much impact here, but some light snow showers will arrive by early Thursday evening.
Wind Advisory Tuesday; Gusty, Frigid

Feb 17, 2025 | wpri.com | Tony Petrarca

WEATHER ALERT: Winds will gust to 45-50mph, leading to the possibility of scattered power outages. A Wind Advisory is in effect until 5PM TuesdayGood Tuesday MorningStrong wind gusts continue overnight into Tuesday. Gusts over 45 mph possible at times. Temperatures running below average most of this week, especially next few days. A look back at some some really strong wind gusts from yesterday....Block Island has gusted in excess of 64mph.
Light Snow Saturday: Some Slippery Roads

Jan 11, 2025 | wpri.com | Tony Petrarca

Good morning everyone!Some light snow today with minor accumulations then back to sunshine Sunday. An offshore storm will pass well to our south today, sparing us any major impacts, but still grazing us with light snow with amounts up to 1″.
Winter Weather Outlook: What’s the forecast for this year?

Nov 22, 2024 | yahoo.com | Tony Petrarca

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Southern New England winters can be a roller coaster ride, ranging from mild and damp conditions to bitter cold and excessive snow. After last winter was so mild, and with the recent lack of rain, what can we expect in the coming months? In the video above, Chief Meteorologist Tony Petrarca breaks down the long-range winter forecast for our area.
Hurricane Outlook: Above-normal season expected this year

May 23, 2024 | wpri.com | Tony Petrarca

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Hurricane season is almost here. It’s been more than three decades since we’ve had a direct hit in Southern New England, but could that change this year? The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, and forecasters are calling for a busier than normal season. In the above video, Chief Meteorologist Tony Petrarca speaks to the head of the National Hurricane Center about what to expect this summer and why.