Weather
New Hampshire Weather Alert: 68° to 26° Cold Snap Oct 26-27
Manchester, NH – A sharp temperature contrast is approaching southern New Hampshire as Monday's mild afternoon gives way to freezing conditions by Tuesday night. Manchester is expected to reach 68 deg
By Lena Wood · 2026-10-25T08:23:26.106Z
Manchester, NH – A sharp temperature contrast is approaching southern New Hampshire as Monday's mild afternoon gives way to freezing conditions by Tuesday night. Manchester is expected to reach 68 degrees Monday before temperatures fall to 54 degrees Tuesday afternoon and plunge to approximately 26 degrees Tuesday night. The 42 degree difference between Monday's daytime high and Tuesday night's low could pose concerns for sensitive outdoor plants, exposed plumbing and residents spending extended periods outdoors. Despite the cold snap, sunshine is expected to dominate the week.
According to the National Weather Service office in Gray, Maine, the forecast for Manchester calls for a significant cooldown beginning Tuesday, Oct. 27, with northwest winds around 5 mph. The coldest temperatures are expected Tuesday night into early Wednesday, when readings could drop six degrees below freezing. No frost advisory or freeze warning is shown in the supplied forecast, but the projected temperatures are cold enough to warrant precautions for vulnerable vegetation and outdoor equipment.
Temperatures Drop Sharply After Monday's Warmth The weather pattern begins with an unusually broad contrast between daytime warmth and nighttime cold. Sunday brings sunshine and a high near 66 degrees, followed by mostly clear skies and an overnight low around 34 degrees. Monday continues the mild conditions, with afternoon temperatures climbing to approximately 68 degrees before falling to 36 degrees Monday night.
Tuesday marks the most noticeable transition, as afternoon temperatures struggle to reach 54 degrees despite continued sunshine. Northwest winds around 5 mph accompany the cooler conditions, while mostly clear skies Tuesday night allow temperatures to fall to approximately 26 degrees. The projected low is well below the freezing mark of 32 degrees, raising concerns for unprotected plants and other temperature sensitive outdoor items.
Freezing Night Could Affect Outdoor Plants The National Weather Service forecast indicates that Wednesday, Oct. 28, will begin following the coldest night of the week, with temperatures recovering to approximately 55 degrees under sunny skies. While the afternoon should feel considerably milder, residents with gardens, potted plants or exposed outdoor water connections may want to prepare before Tuesday evening.
Temperatures near 26 degrees can damage or kill many sensitive plants, particularly those that have not been protected from freezing conditions. Bringing potted plants indoors, covering vulnerable vegetation and checking exposed outdoor faucets may help reduce potential damage. The supplied forecast does not indicate precipitation during the coldest period, so the primary concern is freezing air temperatures rather than snow or icy precipitation.
Sunshine Returns as Temperatures Rebound By Wednesday night, temperatures are expected to settle around 34 degrees under mostly clear skies, marking a noticeable improvement from Tuesday night's projected low. Thursday brings a stronger rebound, with sunshine and afternoon temperatures climbing to approximately 66 degrees. Thursday night should remain mostly clear, with lows near 45 degrees.
The warming trend continues into Friday, Oct. 30, when Manchester is expected to reach approximately 67 degrees under sunny skies. Saturday, Oct. 31, should remain mostly sunny, with temperatures near 65 degrees, providing favorable daytime conditions for Halloween activities across southern New Hampshire.
For residents traveling along Interstate 93, Interstate 293 and nearby routes, the forecast indicates generally dry conditions throughout the period. However, those heading outdoors early Wednesday should prepare for the lingering morning chill before temperatures recover.
Are you preparing your outdoor plants for Tuesday night's freezing temperatures, or have you already wrapped up your gardening for the season?
Five Day Weather Outlook Sunday 10/25: Sunny skies dominate Manchester, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 66 degrees and calm winds. Mostly clear conditions follow Sunday night, with temperatures dropping to around 34 degrees, bringing another chilly late October morning.
Monday 10/26: Sunshine continues with temperatures climbing to approximately 68 degrees and calm winds becoming westerly around 5 mph during the afternoon. Mostly clear skies follow Monday night, with northwest winds around 5 mph and temperatures falling to 36 degrees.
Tuesday 10/27: Sunny skies continue, but afternoon temperatures reach only about 54 degrees as northwest winds blow around 5 mph. Mostly clear conditions follow Tuesday night, with temperatures plunging to approximately 26 degrees, well below freezing.
Wednesday 10/28: Sunshine returns following the freezing overnight temperatures, with an afternoon high near 55 degrees. Mostly clear skies are expected Wednesday night, with temperatures falling to around 34 degrees as the cold weather gradually eases.
Thursday 10/29: Sunny skies accompany a noticeable warming trend, with afternoon temperatures climbing to approximately 66 degrees. Mostly clear conditions continue Thursday night, with temperatures settling around 45 degrees ahead of another mild Friday.
Extended Weather Outlook Friday, Oct. 30, is expected to bring sunny skies and an afternoon high near 67 degrees, followed by mostly clear conditions and an overnight low around 40 degrees.
Saturday, Oct. 31, should remain mostly sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 65 degrees during the afternoon.
The supplied National Weather Service forecast does not extend far enough to establish reliable conditions for the full six to 10 day period.