Maine – Cold air sharpens with every passing hour as frozen ground crunches underfoot across northern New England. The quiet chill masks a stronger change ahead. A powerful arctic front is poised to sweep across Maine and New Hampshire this weekend, bringing snow chances, gusty winds, and dangerously cold wind chills.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, a strong cold front will cross the region Saturday or Saturday night. Bitterly cold air follows, with dangerous wind chills developing as early as Saturday night and lingering into Sunday night for parts of the area. While no widespread hazards are posted yet, the cold itself poses a serious risk.
Friday stays mostly cloudy, with temperatures in the mid-20s across southern New Hampshire and Maine. Snow chances increase late Friday into Saturday, especially inland. In Manchester, snow becomes likely Saturday, with light accumulations possible before tapering later in the day. Roads like I-93, Route 101, and secondary highways could turn slick during bursts of snow.
Saturday night marks the sharper shift. Winds turn gusty from the west, and temperatures plunge below zero in spots. Wind chills may drop well below zero, making exposed skin vulnerable in minutes. Even coastal and southern areas feel the bite as cold air drains south.
Sunday brings sun but little warmth. Highs struggle into the teens, with lingering wind keeping conditions harsh. Travel improves, but the cold remains the main concern. Looking ahead, early next week stays chilly before a gradual moderation begins. NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook hints at above-normal temperatures returning later in the week, signaling a slow February thaw.
Limit time outdoors this weekend, layer up, and prepare vehicles for extreme cold. Heading out Saturday? Tell us how conditions look where you are.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Manchester, NH
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, chance of snow late, high near 25°
- Saturday: Snow likely, breezy and cold, high near 24°
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, very cold, high near 14°
- Monday: Sunny and cold, high near 23°
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, slowly moderating, high near 28°
