Manchester, NH – Low clouds and a damp chill are settling across southern New Hampshire as Thanksgiving week begins, and travelers may want to brace for a wet and slippery start. The first half of the week looks unsettled, with rain likely to develop by Tuesday and continue into Wednesday — just as millions hit the road for the holiday.
According to the National Weather Service, rain chances rise sharply Tuesday afternoon, with a 90% likelihood of steady showers by evening. Those traveling on I-93 or Route 3 should prepare for slow traffic and reduced visibility through Tuesday night. The heaviest rain is expected late Tuesday into early Wednesday, tapering to lighter showers by midday.
Temperatures will stay mild ahead of the rain, peaking near 49°F Tuesday before dropping sharply behind the system. By Thanksgiving Day, cooler and drier air settles in, bringing a crisp, sunny holiday with highs near 44°F. Lows will fall into the upper 20s — cold enough for patchy frost and that “Thanksgiving morning bite” in the air.
Looking ahead, the weekend stays mostly clear and cool, ideal for post-holiday travel and early Christmas decorating.
Five-Day Outlook (Nov. 24–28):
- Tuesday: Rain developing; high 49°F.
- Wednesday: Rain ending, breezy; high 55°F.
- Thanksgiving Day: Mostly sunny, chilly; high 44°F.
- Friday: Partly sunny, cool; high 40°F.
- Saturday: Sunny, cold morning; high 39°F.
