Weather
New Hampshire Cold Weather: Manchester Faces 2 Winter 2026/27 Risks
Manchester, NH – As New Hampshire prepares for another winter season, residents across Manchester, Concord, Nashua and communities throughout the Granite State are being reminded of two potentially li
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-11-04T16:31:52.742Z
Manchester, NH – As New Hampshire prepares for another winter season, residents across Manchester, Concord, Nashua and communities throughout the Granite State are being reminded of two potentially life threatening cold weather dangers: frostbite and hypothermia. Although both are associated with exposure to cold temperatures, they affect the body differently and require different responses.
According to the National Weather Service, dressing in layers, covering exposed skin and limiting time outdoors can help prevent cold related injuries. Understanding the warning signs of frostbite and hypothermia is especially important as colder conditions become more common across New Hampshire.
Frostbite vs. Hypothermia: What's the Difference?
Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze, most commonly affecting fingers, toes, ears, noses and other exposed areas.
Early symptoms may include numbness, tingling, skin discoloration and areas that feel unusually firm or waxy. Severe frostbite can cause permanent tissue damage.
Hypothermia, however, affects the body's internal temperature. It develops when core body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Warning signs include intense shivering, confusion, slurred speech, extreme fatigue and difficulty coordinating movements. In severe cases, shivering may stop, and the condition can become fatal without immediate medical attention.
What Should New Hampshire Residents Do?
Anyone suspected of experiencing hypothermia needs emergency medical attention. Call 911, move the person to a warm location, remove wet clothing and wrap them in dry blankets.
For frostbite, avoid rubbing affected skin or using direct heat. Seek medical attention promptly.
The National Weather Service also recommends protecting pets, insulating exposed pipes and checking on elderly neighbors and vulnerable residents.
Cold winds, wet clothing and prolonged exposure can increase the danger, even when temperatures remain above freezing.
The key difference: Frostbite freezes and damages body tissue, while hypothermia dangerously lowers the body's core temperature. Both conditions can occur at the same time.