Manchester, New Hampshire – Christmas travel plans across New Hampshire are coming into focus as a busy, weather-sensitive stretch sets up late this week, just ahead of the Dec 19–Dec 23 travel window. While temperatures are expected to trend above normal overall, mixed precipitation could complicate road and air travel during peak departure times.
Sunday is calm, but conditions begin to change by midweek as an active storm track approaches New England. According to the National Weather Service in Gray, periods of rain may develop late Thursday into Friday, with colder air holding across northern and higher-elevation areas. That setup raises the risk for rain changing to wet snow or freezing rain, especially overnight and during early morning travel.
Manchester sits near the transition zone, meaning small temperature shifts could make a big difference. Interstate corridors including I-93, I-293, and Route 101 may see brief slick spots, particularly north toward the Lakes Region and the White Mountains. Travelers heading south toward Massachusetts may encounter mostly wet roads, but visibility could still be reduced during heavier rain.
Air travelers using Manchester-Boston Regional Airport should prepare for potential delays if precipitation overlaps with high-volume holiday departures. According to New Hampshire Department of Transportation guidance, drivers should plan extra time, keep fuel tanks at least half full, and carry winter safety kits even if conditions look mild at departure.
Despite the warmer-than-average trend late in the week, nighttime cooling could still create patchy icing. Travelers leaving early to beat Christmas crowds should monitor updates closely, charge mobile devices, and let someone know their route and timing.
This is shaping up to be a flexible, plan-ahead type of travel period, where staying weather-aware could make all the difference.
