MANCHESTER, NH – Cold air has locked in across southern New Hampshire as winter weather settles in for the first full week of December. Temperatures started near 28°F this morning under mostly cloudy skies, with the first round of snow showers expected by late morning Thursday and another possible Saturday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service, a weak clipper system sliding east from the Great Lakes could spark scattered snow showers between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Thursday, leaving a dusting up to half an inch, mainly on grassy and elevated surfaces. Gusty northwest winds may reach 30 mph, keeping wind chills in the teens through the afternoon.
The next system arrives Saturday, bringing another 30% chance of light snow showers before tapering into the evening. Roads along I-293, Route 101, and I-93 may become slick where flurries briefly coat colder pavement. Drivers should allow extra travel time and watch for black ice, especially during morning and evening commutes.
Friday looks to be the calmest day of the stretch — sunny but brisk, with highs only near 23°F. By Sunday, milder air returns with sunshine and a high near 36°F, though another quick cool-down is expected early next week as the Arctic pattern continues its grip on the Northeast. NOAA’s extended 8–14 day outlook signals below-normal temperatures from December 11–17, hinting at more snow chances as holiday travel picks up.
Five-Day Outlook (Manchester, NH)
- Thursday: Scattered snow showers, high 36°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 23°F.
- Saturday: Scattered snow showers, high 33°F.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high 36°F.
- Monday: Sunny, cold morning near 3°F, high 33°F.
