Manchester, NH – New Hampshire is heading into a colder, more active pattern for the week of December 18–24, with increasing snow chances and potential travel disruptions through Christmas Eve, according to NOAA’s latest long-range outlook. A combination of below-normal and near-normal temperatures statewide paired with above-normal precipitation is expected to create multiple rounds of wintry weather.
According to NOAA, northern New Hampshire sits clearly within the below-normal temperature zone, supporting steady snow events throughout the period. Areas such as Berlin, Littleton, and the White Mountains appear most likely to see accumulating snow and the potential for more significant travel impacts.
In southern New Hampshire, including Manchester, Nashua, and Concord, temperatures trend closer to the near-normal range. This opens the door for mixed precipitation—particularly from December 19–21—where surface temps may hover near freezing. These scenarios can lead to periods of rain–snow mix or pockets of light freezing drizzle, creating hazardous road conditions during early commutes.
By December 22–24, colder air deepens statewide. This shift increases confidence that most precipitation will fall as snow as travelers head into Christmas Eve, potentially coating major routes including I-93, I-89, Route 3, and the Everett Turnpike.
Northern and higher-elevation areas may see near-daily snow chances, with moderate accumulations possible as storm energy tracks through New England.
Drivers should prepare for slick conditions, reduced visibility, and slowdowns, especially December 21–24 when impacts appear most likely.
