Concord, New Hampshire – A prolonged stretch of wet and potentially icy winter weather is expected to impact New Hampshire beginning Thursday, raising concerns for hazardous travel and changing conditions across the state through early next week.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, New Hampshire is positioned within an above-normal precipitation zone through Monday, while temperatures hover close to seasonal averages. This combination creates a favorable setup for mixed precipitation, including rain, snow, and freezing rain, especially during overnight hours.
Southern New Hampshire, including Manchester, Nashua, and the Seacoast, is most likely to see periods of cold rain, though brief freezing rain cannot be ruled out during colder windows. Central parts of the state, including Concord and the Lakes Region, face a higher risk for sleet and freezing rain, particularly late at night and early mornings. Farther north, communities in the White Mountains and the North Country could see more snow, with icy conditions possible in lower elevations.
Travel impacts are likely along major corridors such as Interstate 93, Interstate 89, and Route 16, where even light ice accumulation can lead to slick bridges and untreated secondary roads. Mountain passes and higher terrain could see rapidly changing conditions as precipitation types fluctuate.
The unsettled pattern is being driven by a broad cold front influencing much of the eastern United States. While the coldest air remains farther south, surface temperatures in New Hampshire are expected to remain just cold enough to support icy conditions at times.
Residents are urged to monitor local weather alerts, limit unnecessary travel during periods of freezing rain, and prepare vehicles for winter driving. This active pattern is expected to continue into early next week, with additional advisories possible as confidence increases.
