Manchester, New Hampshire – A wintry and unsettled weather pattern is expected to develop across New Hampshire as the New Year approaches, with increasing confidence in accumulating snow and repeated travel impacts from Dec 27 through Jan 9.
Large-scale atmospheric signals favor an active storm track across New England during this period, placing New Hampshire in a favorable zone for snow-producing systems. According to the National Weather Service in Gray, colder air is expected to remain entrenched across the region, allowing most precipitation to fall as snow. The White Mountains, Lakes Region, and Upper Valley currently show the strongest signal for accumulating snowfall, while southern areas including Manchester, Nashua, and Concord are also likely to see measurable snow during colder phases of each system.
Snow is expected to arrive in multiple rounds rather than a single long-duration storm. This setup raises the risk of repeated travel slowdowns, especially along I-93 through the Lakes Region, I-89 near Lebanon, I-95 along the Seacoast, and Route 16 north of Rochester. Overnight and early morning periods may be particularly hazardous due to reduced visibility and snow-covered roads.
Some systems may bring gusty winds, increasing the potential for blowing snow and isolated power outages where snow accumulates on trees and power lines. New Hampshire Department of Transportation urges motorists to allow extra time for holiday travel and to keep winter emergency supplies in vehicles.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for colder conditions by protecting pipes, checking heating systems, and monitoring updates during active weather windows. While brief quieter periods are expected, the overall pattern supports a snowy and impactful start to 2026 across Manchester and the rest of New Hampshire, with snow chances continuing into early January.
