New Hampshire wakes to air so cold it crackles, with clouds hanging low and snow poised to move in. Conditions look quiet early, but they will not stay that way. A strong Arctic front sweeps across northern New England, bringing snow, gusty winds, and dangerous cold into southern New Hampshire and western Maine.
Snow spreads into the Manchester area today and becomes steadier Saturday. Most locations pick up 1 to 2 inches of snow, with slick roads developing quickly. The snow falls lightly at times, but it still coats untreated streets and sidewalks. Travel slows along I-93, Route 101, Route 28, and I-293, especially during daylight hours Saturday.
Behind the snow, colder air surges in fast. Winds turn northwest and strengthen Saturday afternoon, pushing wind chills sharply lower by evening. The National Weather Service warns that dangerously cold wind chills develop as early as Saturday night and persist into Sunday night. Actual temperatures drop near or below zero, while wind chills sink well below that threshold.
Sunday brings sunshine, but it offers little warmth. Highs struggle to reach the teens, and any snowmelt from Saturday freezes solid after sunset. This creates a flash-freezing risk, particularly on bridges, driveways, and shaded roads. Drivers should slow down and watch for sudden icy patches.
The cold holds into Monday morning before easing slightly. A gradual warm-up follows next week. By midweek, highs climb into the 30s, and by late week, temperatures trend above normal for February. Meteorologists note that while the Great Lakes remain heavily frozen, limiting lake-effect snow, a broader pattern shift supports milder air across New England.
Dress in layers, limit time outdoors late Saturday and Sunday, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Heading out this weekend? How slippery are the roads where you are?
Five Day Outlook
- Saturday: Snow, cold. High 26°F.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, very cold. High 14°F.
- Monday: Sunny, cold. High 22°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny, moderating. High 30°F.
- Wednesday: Chance snow. High 33°F.
