CONCORD, N.H. – Clouds have thickened over southern New Hampshire this morning, a calm before the late-weekend shift that will bring driving rain followed by the sharpest chill of the fall so far. A soaking system will move in Sunday, then clear to reveal a biting, early-winter air mass by Monday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray–Portland, widespread rain will spread across the Granite State by late Sunday morning and persist into the evening. The heaviest rain is expected between noon and dusk, when gusts could top 25 mph and roads along I-93 and Route 101 turn slick. The storm could briefly affect outdoor events or Veterans Day preparations before tapering off late Sunday night.
By Monday, skies begin to clear—but the chill arrives fast. Highs will only reach the low 50s before a northwest wind drags temperatures toward the 20s. Monday night looks cold enough for the season’s first hard freeze across interior Rockingham, Hillsborough, and Merrimack Counties. Garden hoses, plants, and outdoor faucets should be protected, and early commuters Tuesday will want heavier coats for the first time this season.
Veterans Day stays mostly sunny yet brisk, with morning lows near freezing and highs in the lower 40s. Beyond midweek, models hint at another cool push by next weekend, a sign that winter’s early tease is taking hold across northern New England. For now, residents should brace for a soggy Sunday, a frosty Tuesday, and the clear message that November means business.
Five-Day Forecast for Manchester, NH:
Sat: 61/32 – Partly sunny; breezy and mild.
Sun: 52/43 – Rain heavy at times; gusts to 25 mph.
Mon: 53/28 – Clearing; much colder late, frost likely.
Tue (Veterans Day): 41/29 – Mostly sunny; crisp, early freeze possible.
Wed: 45/33 – Bright and calm; late-fall chill holds.
