Weather
New Hampshire Weather Alert: Freezing Cold Near Manchester Oct 18
Manchester, NH – Freezing temperatures are expected to arrive in southern New Hampshire this weekend, with Manchester facing a low near 29 degrees early Sunday, Oct. 18, before a gradual warmup begins
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-16T07:19:50.349Z
Manchester, NH – Freezing temperatures are expected to arrive in southern New Hampshire this weekend, with Manchester facing a low near 29 degrees early Sunday, Oct. 18, before a gradual warmup begins. The National Weather Service forecast points to a significant change following Friday's projected high of 68 degrees. The colder conditions could threaten sensitive outdoor vegetation and bring frost or freezing conditions to exposed surfaces. Residents with gardens, outdoor plants or early morning travel plans should prepare for a colder start to Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will fall sharply Saturday as colder air moves into the region behind an approaching weather system. Saturday's high is expected to reach only 47 degrees, with northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph and gusts as high as 30 mph. Skies should gradually clear during the day, allowing temperatures to drop further Saturday night. By early Sunday, the forecast low of 29 degrees would place Manchester three degrees below freezing.
Freezing Temperatures Could Affect Sunday Morning The most significant concern involves the potential for freezing temperatures during the late Saturday night and early Sunday morning period. With mostly clear skies expected, exposed plants and outdoor surfaces could experience frost or freezing conditions. The forecast supports temperatures below 32 degrees in Manchester, although the exact duration of freezing conditions is not specified. Gardeners may want to protect vulnerable flowers, vegetables and other cold sensitive plants before temperatures begin falling Saturday evening.
Sunday afternoon should bring a noticeable improvement as sunshine returns and temperatures climb to approximately 56 degrees. While the daytime recovery will make outdoor activities more comfortable, it will not erase the cold conditions expected earlier that morning. Residents heading outside before sunrise should consider winter weight layers, particularly when spending extended periods outdoors. Sunday night will remain chilly, with mostly clear skies and a forecast low near 32 degrees.
Weather Changes Could Affect Weekend Travel The cold arrives after an unsettled Friday, when showers are expected to develop mainly after 2 p.m. The National Weather Service places Friday's precipitation probability at 100%, with rainfall amounts between one quarter and one half inch possible. Showers are likely to continue into Friday evening before conditions gradually improve. Saturday will bring gusty northwest winds, potentially making exposed roadways and bridges feel considerably colder.
Motorists traveling on Interstate 93, Interstate 293 and the Everett Turnpike should be prepared for wet pavement during Friday's rainfall and gusty conditions Saturday. By early Sunday, temperatures below freezing could allow moisture on untreated surfaces to freeze where water remains, although the supplied forecast does not establish widespread icy roads. Drivers should exercise particular caution on shaded surfaces and elevated structures if moisture persists into the colder period.
Warmer Conditions Return Early Next Week Monday, Oct. 19, will bring sunny skies and a high near 59 degrees, offering a more comfortable afternoon following the freezing weekend temperatures. Monday night should remain partly cloudy, with a low around 35 degrees. The warming trend continues Tuesday, Oct. 20, when mostly sunny skies and a high near 64 degrees are expected. The improvement will provide a break from the weekend's colder conditions.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, should remain sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 61 degrees before falling to around 35 degrees Wednesday night. Thursday's high is forecast near 57 degrees under mostly sunny skies. The available local outlook does not identify another significant storm system through Thursday. However, residents should continue monitoring updated forecasts for any changes in nighttime temperatures or additional frost and freeze concerns later in the week.
Are you preparing your outdoor plants for Manchester's first major freezing temperatures of the weekend, or are you ready for colder fall weather?
Five Day Weather Outlook Friday 10/16: Showers are expected mainly after 2 p.m., with a 100% precipitation chance and a high near 68 degrees. Rainfall amounts between one quarter and one half inch are possible. Friday night brings a 60% chance of showers and a low near 40 degrees.
Saturday 10/17: Mostly cloudy skies will gradually become sunny, with a high near 47 degrees. Northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph could gust to 30 mph before clear skies allow temperatures to fall to around 29 degrees Saturday night.
Sunday 10/18: Sunny skies return after a freezing start to the morning, with temperatures recovering to approximately 56 degrees. Mostly clear conditions are expected Sunday night, with a low near 32 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Sunshine and a high near 59 degrees will bring a noticeable improvement compared with the colder weekend conditions. Monday night should be partly cloudy, with temperatures falling to around 35 degrees.
Tuesday 10/20: Mostly sunny skies and a high near 64 degrees will continue the warming trend across Manchester. Tuesday night is expected to remain mostly clear, with temperatures settling near 38 degrees.
Extended Weather Outlook Wednesday, Oct. 21, is expected to bring sunny skies and a high near 61 degrees, followed by mostly clear conditions and a low around 35 degrees.
Thursday, Oct. 22, should remain mostly sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 57 degrees.