Weather
Manchester, NH Weather Alert: 65° to 29° Oct 16-18
Manchester, NH – According to the National Weather Service, Friday brings a 100% chance of precipitation to Manchester before colder air arrives for the weekend. The forecast covers Manchester in Hill
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-15T07:04:36.740Z
Manchester, NH – A cold autumn weekend is approaching southern New Hampshire, where a round of widespread rain will be followed by sharply falling temperatures and the possibility of freezing conditions by early Sunday. Manchester is expected to reach 65 degrees Friday before temperatures drop to approximately 29 degrees Saturday night. The 36 degree difference across the period marks a substantial weather transition, particularly for residents with outdoor plants, exposed plumbing or weekend travel plans.
According to the National Weather Service, Friday brings a 100% chance of precipitation to Manchester before colder air arrives for the weekend. The forecast covers Manchester in Hillsborough County, part of southern New Hampshire's greater Manchester Nashua metropolitan area, with temperatures expected to fall below freezing early Sunday.
Friday Brings Widespread Rain Before Colder Air Arrives Thursday offers a relatively quiet start, with sunny skies and a high near 60 degrees. North winds of 5 to 10 mph could produce gusts as high as 20 mph before calmer conditions develop Thursday night. Temperatures are expected to fall near 38 degrees under partly cloudy skies.
Friday brings a significant change as showers develop between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., with a 100% precipitation probability. Temperatures could reach approximately 65 degrees, supported by southeast winds around 5 mph.
Rain remains likely Friday night, mainly before 8 p.m., with a 60% precipitation probability. Southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph will shift northwest after midnight, with gusts potentially reaching 25 mph as colder air begins spreading into southern New Hampshire.
Saturday Temperatures Fall Toward Freezing The cooldown becomes apparent Saturday, when Manchester's afternoon high reaches only 47 degrees. That represents an 18 degree decline from Friday's projected high, bringing a much cooler feel to the region as skies turn mostly sunny.
The sharper temperature contrast develops Saturday night, when mostly clear conditions accompany a forecast low near 29 degrees. Temperatures below 32 degrees can create freezing conditions, particularly for exposed vegetation and temperature sensitive outdoor equipment.
Gardeners may want to protect vulnerable plants before Saturday evening, while homeowners should consider whether any outdoor water connections or exposed plumbing need attention. The supplied forecast does not establish an official freeze warning, but the predicted temperature is below the freezing threshold.
Travelers along Interstate 93, Interstate 293 and Route 101 could encounter wet pavement during Friday's showers. Drivers should also account for changing visibility during heavier rainfall, although no specific closures or travel disruptions are indicated.
Sunday Sunshine Returns After a Freezing Start Sunday morning is expected to begin with temperatures near 29 degrees before sunshine helps conditions recover. Afternoon highs should reach approximately 55 degrees, providing a noticeably milder finish to the weekend despite the cold start.
Sunday night remains chilly, with mostly clear skies and temperatures dropping near 32 degrees. That could bring another period of near freezing conditions before a gradual warming trend develops early next week.
Monday brings sunny skies and a high near 61 degrees, followed by partly cloudy conditions and a low around 36 degrees. Tuesday should reach approximately 64 degrees under mostly sunny skies, with Wednesday remaining sunny and a high near 61.
The primary concern remains the transition from Friday's widespread rainfall to Saturday night's subfreezing temperatures. Residents should monitor updated forecasts for any changes in the timing or severity of the cold.
Are you preparing outdoor plants or making other adjustments ahead of Manchester's freezing weekend temperatures?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Sunny skies are expected with a high near 60 degrees and north winds of 5 to 10 mph, gusting as high as 20 mph. Thursday night turns partly cloudy, with temperatures falling near 38 degrees.
Friday 10/16: Showers are expected between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., with a 100% precipitation chance and a high near 65 degrees. Rain remains likely Friday evening, with a 60% chance of precipitation, gusts to 25 mph and a low near 38.
Saturday 10/17: Mostly sunny skies return as temperatures reach approximately 47 degrees, significantly cooler than Friday. Saturday night turns mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 29 degrees, bringing freezing conditions to Manchester.
Sunday 10/18: Sunny skies help temperatures recover to approximately 55 degrees following a freezing start to the morning. Mostly clear conditions continue Sunday night, with temperatures falling near 32 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Sunny conditions continue with a high near 61 degrees, providing a gradual warming trend following the weekend cold. Monday night turns partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to approximately 36 degrees.
Extended Weather Outlook: Oct. 20 21 Tuesday, Oct. 20, is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 64 degrees, followed by partly cloudy skies and a nighttime low around 37 degrees.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, brings sunshine and a high near 61 degrees.