New Hampshire wakes to a deep winter chill as cold air settles across the Merrimack Valley. The air feels sharp. Frost clings to windshields. Temperatures hover near 16 degrees early, making for a harsh December start in Manchester.
According to the National Weather Service, the biggest concern early is icy travel. Untreated roads, bridges, and sidewalks may remain slick for a time as temperatures slowly rise. Drivers should use caution during the morning hours, especially on secondary roads and elevated surfaces.
The Weather pattern begins to relax through midweek. Sunshine helps temperatures rebound into the low 30s, followed by a milder push Wednesday. Highs climb near 40 degrees, offering a brief break from the cold snap as clouds increase.
Attention shifts to Thursday, December 18th, when a developing system approaches New England. Rain becomes likely late in the day and into Thursday night, with precipitation chances near 80 percent. Roads could turn slick quickly, especially during evening travel along I-293, Route 101, and city streets.
Temperatures rise into the mid-40s Thursday, allowing rain to fall instead of snow. Still, meteorologists are watching the warm-to-cold transition behind the system. Any lingering moisture could refreeze late Thursday night as colder air returns, creating a black ice risk early Friday.
Friday remains damp early, then gradually improves. Rain tapers off before midday, followed by partial clearing. Highs reach the low 50s, though breezy conditions may keep it feeling cooler.
The weekend turns quieter and colder again. Saturday stays mostly sunny with highs near 33. Sunday brings a mix of clouds and sun with highs near 40, a reminder that winter is settling in as holiday travel ramps up.
Five-Day Outlook for Manchester, NH
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 40°
- Thursday: Rain late, high near 46°
- Friday: Rain early, high near 53°
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 33°
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 40°
