Manchester, New Hampshire – The smell of damp pavement and the unusual feeling of 64-degree air will define the region today before a powerful cold front slams into New England, sent to trigger a massive 44-degree temperature swing within 36 hours. Drivers on I-93 and F.E. Everett Turnpike should prepare for slick conditions as rain increases this evening, followed by a rapid “flash freeze” scenario as temperatures plummet well below the freezing mark tomorrow.
According to the National Weather Service, Manchester is currently experiencing light rain with a south wind at 14 mph as of Thursday morning. While the afternoon high will climb to an unseasonable 64 degrees, a 30% chance of rain persists through the day, with southwest gusts reaching as high as 30 mph. This wind and moisture are precursors to a more significant rain event arriving tonight, where precipitation chances jump to 80%.
The most critical window for local residents begins after midnight. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible, creating deep puddles and runoff. As the rain tapers off early Friday morning, the real danger develops: a dramatic temperature crash. Highs on Friday will struggle to reach 48 degrees before bottoming out at a biting 20 degrees Friday night. This rapid cooling often leads to “flash freezing,” where standing water from Thursday’s rain turns into invisible black ice on bridges and secondary roads.
Looking toward the weekend, the “Spring tease” evaporates completely. Saturday will feel significantly colder with a high of only 35 degrees under mostly sunny skies. While Sunday offers a slight rebound to 45 degrees, the regional trend remains volatile. Residents should ensure outdoor pipes are protected and heating systems are ready for the sub-freezing surge arriving Friday night.
Five Day Forecast for Manchester, NH
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy with rain likely after 3 p.m. High near 64. Winds gusting to 30 mph.
- Friday: Rain ending by 9 a.m., then becoming partly sunny. High near 48.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny and much colder. High near 35. Low near 20.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny. High near 45. Low near 28.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy. High near 53. Low near 33.
