No, absolutely not, unless your idea of a good workout involves a trip to the ER.
Why today isn't the day to push it:
- Blizzard Aftermath is No Joke: Providence just got absolutely slammed. We're talking a record-breaking 37.9 inches of snow at T.F. Green. That didn't just magically disappear overnight. Streets, sidewalks, and especially trails like the Woonasquatucket River Bike Path are still buried under feet of the stuff. If it's not deep snow, it's slush, and neither is safe for running.
- Black Ice: The Silent Killer: Temperatures are playing a cruel joke, hovering right around freezing. What melts during the day refreezes at night, making for treacherous, invisible black ice. The National Weather Service even warned about it specifically. One wrong step and you'll be intimately familiar with the concrete, or worse, someone's car.
- Air Quality Ain't Great, Construction Lingers: While the snow is the star of this hazardous show, don't forget we've got moderate air quality (AQI 73) with fine particulate matter in the air. Add to that the usual Providence construction chaos, like the ongoing I-95 15 Bridges Project, which means narrowed lanes and detours. These aren't just issues for drivers; they make navigating by foot a giant headache even on a good day.
The Ground Truth from a Runner Who Lives Here
Look, I get it. We all have that itch to get out there, especially after being cooped up. But today isn't the day to be a hero. This isn't just a dusting; it was a historic blizzard. You might think you're clear on your street, but one block over, you could be slogging through knee-deep snow or sliding on an invisible sheet of ice.
Extreme Caution for Snow & Black Ice
The sheer volume of snow means many paths are impassable, and what isn't is likely a slushy mess or covered in dangerous black ice. Governor McKee lifted the travel ban, but explicitly urged extreme caution on local roads. "Stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary," was the message from Providence's chief public information officer. That goes double for your workout. If you absolutely must go outside for any reason, assume every shaded patch is pure ice. Seriously.
Air Quality & Pollen Breakdown
| Pollutant | Level | AQI | Dominant Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pollen | Low | N/A | |
| Air | Moderate | 73 | Fine particulate matter (<2.5µm) |
Moderate Air Quality
An AQI of 73 is "Moderate," meaning air quality is acceptable, but for some pollutants, there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Given the recent weather and potential for residual stirred-up particles, keep it in mind. It's not the primary danger today, but it's not helping.
Workout Smart, Not Hard
Honestly, if you're itching to move, hit the treadmill or find some stairs indoors. If you absolutely have to be outside, stick to known, cleared areas (good luck finding many) and wear shoes with serious grip. Dress in layers, because that "clear" sky doesn't make the -1.6°C (29°F) feel any warmer, especially with any residual wind. And don't forget RIPTA service is still suspended or detoured on many routes, so don't count on a bus bailout if you get stuck far from home.
Stay safe out there, or better yet, stay in there. Your joints (and brain) will thank you.
Data grounded with Google Search and environmental data from February 26, 2026.