Weather
New Hampshire Weather Oct. 17–21: Freeze Risk Saturday Night
Manchester, NH – Southern New Hampshire faces a sharp turn toward colder autumn weather this weekend, with temperatures in Manchester expected to fall below freezing Saturday night after a soaking Fri
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-10-14T08:34:20.634Z
Manchester, NH – Southern New Hampshire faces a sharp turn toward colder autumn weather this weekend, with temperatures in Manchester expected to fall below freezing Saturday night after a soaking Friday and a breezy Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, Manchester's forecast calls for a Saturday high near 46 degrees before temperatures plunge to approximately 29 degrees overnight. The drop follows Wednesday's forecast high of 71 degrees, marking a significant shift toward late season cold.
The freezing temperatures could threaten sensitive outdoor plants, particularly in exposed gardens and colder locations around Hillsborough County.
Friday Rain Precedes Weekend Cold The transition begins Thursday night, when showers become likely after 4 a.m. Rain chances increase to 60%, with temperatures falling to around 39 degrees.
Friday brings the wettest conditions of the period, with showers expected throughout the day and a 100% probability of precipitation in Manchester. Afternoon temperatures should reach approximately 59 degrees before colder air arrives.
Showers remain likely Friday evening, primarily before 9 p.m., with overnight temperatures falling into the mid 30s.
By Saturday, the rain gives way to mostly sunny skies, but conditions turn breezy as daytime temperatures struggle to reach the upper 40s.
Saturday Night Brings Freezing Temperatures The coldest conditions arrive Saturday night into Sunday morning, when Manchester is expected to reach 29 degrees under mostly clear skies.
At that temperature, a freeze is possible, creating concerns for gardeners with tender vegetation still outdoors.
National Weather Service frost and freeze guidance explains that freezing conditions can occur when temperatures reach 32 degrees or below, while a hard freeze becomes possible at 28 degrees or colder.
The supplied forecast does not establish an official Freeze Warning for Manchester, and temperatures elsewhere in southern New Hampshire may differ.
Residents should consider protecting sensitive plants before Saturday night and monitor updated NWS forecasts for changes.
The cold spell should be relatively brief. Sunshine returns Sunday with highs in the mid 50s, followed by a gradual warming trend early next week.
By Tuesday, Manchester temperatures could recover to the mid 60s.
Five Day Weather Outlook: Oct. 17–21 Temperatures below represent National Weather Service forecasts for Manchester, New Hampshire, in Hillsborough County. Conditions elsewhere in southern New Hampshire may vary.
Saturday, Oct. 17: Mostly sunny and breezy, with a high near 46°. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 29°. Freezing temperatures possible overnight. Sunday, Oct. 18: Sunny, with a high near 55°. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 32°. Monday, Oct. 19: Sunny and warmer, with a high near 63°. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 40°. Tuesday, Oct. 20: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65°. Overnight temperatures were not provided.