CONCORD, N.H. – As winter deepens past Christmas, NOAA’s latest guidance, released Thursday, Oct. 16, shows New Hampshire heading into a cold, snowy stretch lasting through at least March 2026. With La Niña strengthening, the Granite State appears positioned for frequent snow systems and a slow start to spring.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, the jet stream will stay active over northern New England this season, funneling moisture from the Great Lakes and Atlantic into New Hampshire’s valleys and mountains. “The pattern looks stormy and cold into early 2026,” forecasters said. “Residents should expect several impactful snow events and periodic ice.”
Heavier totals are likely north of Concord and into the White Mountains, where towns such as North Conway, Littleton, and Berlin could see multiple snowfalls exceeding half a foot. Southern communities including Manchester and Nashua may see more rain–snow mixes but still face slick commutes when Arctic air surges south. Crews along I-89, I-93, and the Everett Turnpike are bracing for active plow operations from January through late February.
Emergency managers urge residents to refill fuel, service generators, and secure outdoor gear before midwinter peaks. Extended cold could also create icy buildup on roofs and frozen pipes in unheated spaces. NOAA says late-season storms remain possible into March, especially when warm air briefly clashes with lingering Arctic fronts.
For New Hampshire, winter 2026 is shaping up as a traditional New England season — cold, snowy, and demanding steady readiness until spring finally breaks the chill.
