Manchester, New Hampshire — A late-season cold surge will move into New Hampshire early Friday, May 8, bringing freezing overnight temperatures, gusty winds, and periods of rain that will impact travel and outdoor activity across Manchester, Concord, Nashua, Portsmouth, and Dover.
According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, temperatures will run 50–60% below normal through May 14, with the coldest stretch arriving Friday night into early Saturday. The most critical window is between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. Saturday, when temperatures are expected to drop to or below freezing statewide.
That cold will create immediate hazards. Frost may form on elevated surfaces, including bridges along I-93 and I-95, leading to slick spots for early morning drivers. In northern and higher terrain areas near Concord and the White Mountains, a few light snow flurries are possible, with little to no accumulation but brief visibility drops.
Rain moving in Friday night will add to the risk, creating wet roads and water pooling in low-lying areas, including underpasses in Manchester and drainage-prone roads in Nashua. This is part of a broader system delivering colder air across the East while pulling in Atlantic moisture.
Winds will increase Saturday into Sunday, with gusts reaching 35 to 40 mph, especially near the coast around Portsmouth. Those winds could bring down small branches and trigger isolated power outages.
Drivers should slow down on wet roads, especially before sunrise when frost may develop, and avoid water-covered roadways. Residents should cover sensitive plants and secure loose outdoor items ahead of the wind.
The highest risk for freezing temperatures and travel disruption peaks early Saturday between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m.
