New Hampshire – Cold air cuts sharply across the Merrimack Valley as pale sunlight reflects off frozen ground, a reminder winter has settled in. Light snow begins moving into parts of central and southern New Hampshire today, enough to create slick roads during key travel hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, a Hazardous Weather Outlook highlights light snow accumulations developing tonight and lingering into early Saturday. While totals stay modest, generally 1 to 2 inches around Manchester and nearby communities, the timing raises concerns for slippery travel.
Snow develops later today as clouds thicken, especially along Interstate 93, Route 101, and secondary roads. With temperatures stuck well below freezing, even light snowfall sticks quickly. Untreated surfaces become slick fast, and visibility may dip during steadier bursts.
Travelers heading out for weekend plans should slow down and allow extra time. Braking distances increase on cold pavement, and shaded areas may remain icy even after snow tapers. Sidewalks, parking lots, and steps will also turn slick.
Conditions briefly improve Saturday as skies clear and sunshine returns, but cold remains locked in. Nighttime temperatures drop back into the single digits and teens, allowing any melted snow to refreeze. That sets the stage for black ice concerns after sunset.
Looking ahead to New Year’s week 2026, meteorologists are tracking a more active pattern. Milder air may arrive Sunday before another system brings a wintry mix of snow, sleet, or freezing rain late Sunday night into Monday. That transition could complicate end-of-year and New Year’s travel across southern New Hampshire.
Residents should stay weather-aware, especially during early morning and evening travel windows. Winter driving kits and flexible travel plans remain a smart move as December winds down.
Seeing slick spots where you live? Share what conditions look like in your area.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Manchester, NH
Today: Increasing clouds, snow develops later, highs near 21°F
Saturday: Chance of snow early, then sunny, highs near 26°F
Sunday: Mostly sunny, highs near 35°F
Monday: Wintry mix then rain, highs near 37°F
Tuesday: Partly sunny, colder, highs near 26°F
