Manchester, N.H. – A blistering surge of summer heat is on track to blanket southern New Hampshire Thursday, July 24th, sending the heat index soaring near 97°F in Manchester and making travel along I-293 especially hazardous for anyone unprepared. This dangerous weather alert has local officials urging residents to take immediate precautions, as the heat is expected to intensify into Friday.
According to the National Weather Service, heat indices will climb into the mid to upper 90s starting Thursday afternoon. The risk peaks Friday when hot, humid air could push conditions toward record-breaking territory. Hillsborough County and the Manchester metro area are most at risk, especially those spending extended time outdoors or commuting along major roadways like I-293. Health officials recommend limiting strenuous outdoor activity, staying hydrated, and checking on elderly neighbors or anyone lacking reliable cooling.
Southwest winds will bring little relief, and utility providers warn that energy demand may spike as air conditioners work overtime. Schools, childcare centers, and outdoor workers should review heat safety protocols, and all residents are advised to avoid leaving children or pets in vehicles—even for a short time.
The threat shifts Friday night as a line of thunderstorms and showers moves through, possibly offering a brief respite before partly sunny, warm weather returns Saturday. Looking ahead, scattered showers may linger into Sunday, but by Monday and Tuesday, conditions turn mostly sunny and less humid.
Five Day Forecast for Manchester, NH:
- Thursday, July 24: Sunny and hot. High 93°F. Heat index up to 96. Southwest wind 5–10 mph, gusts to 20 mph.
- Friday, July 25: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 2 p.m., continuing into evening. High near 97°F. Chance of precipitation 60%.
- Saturday, July 26: Partly sunny, high 85°F. Mostly cloudy overnight, low 63°F.
- Sunday, July 27: 30% chance of showers after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, high near 81°F.
- Monday, July 28: Mostly sunny, high 85°F. Clear overnight, low 65°F.
