Manchester, New Hampshire – Winter is not ready to step aside in New Hampshire, and Groundhog Day tradition is reinforcing that message. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Monday morning, a long-standing signal of six more weeks of winter that pushes hopes for a consistent warm-up closer to mid-March.
According to the National Weather Service, New Hampshire sits in an “equal chances” category for temperatures from February through April. That means no strong lean toward sustained warmth or prolonged cold, keeping the risk for late-season snow, icy mornings, and sharp temperature swings in place across the state. Manchester, Concord, Nashua, and the Seacoast could all see winter conditions linger well into March before gradual improvement.
Precipitation trends may have a bigger impact. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, much of New England is favored to see near to above-normal precipitation during that same period. In New Hampshire, that increases the potential for heavier snow events during colder stretches and rain or mixed precipitation during brief thaws, which can complicate travel and strain drainage systems.
While the Farmers’ Almanac notes spring officially begins Thursday, March 20, and highlights a total lunar eclipse early Tuesday, March 3, winter hazards may persist beyond those calendar milestones. Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware, allow extra travel time, and remain prepared for winter conditions to extend into early spring, with additional advisories possible as the season unfolds.
