MANCHESTER, N.H. – Crisp air and quiet skies will hold through Friday, but northern New England is staring down its next winter tease. A fast-moving system from the Great Lakes will spread clouds across the Granite State by Saturday, bringing a cold, wet mix that could flip briefly to snow before daybreak Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, a 60–70% chance of precipitation arrives late Saturday, with temperatures hovering near freezing across Hillsborough and Merrimack counties. Rain may start after 8 p.m., but colder pockets in higher terrain could see a brief snow changeover before a full transition to rain by early Sunday. While no significant accumulation is expected, slick rural roads and bridges could develop if temperatures dip faster than models suggest.
Sunday morning will stay damp, with periods of light rain tapering by midday as winds turn northwesterly. Afternoon highs will recover into the lower 50s, but a colder pattern follows — clear, frosty nights and highs in the mid-40s by Monday and Tuesday. The chill marks the return of more typical November air after a week of relative warmth.
Travelers along I-93, Route 101, and secondary mountain passes should stay alert for quick temperature drops Saturday night. Residents should also secure outdoor decorations and prepare for the first real taste of late-fall chill.
Long-range models hint that this early cold surge could open the door for a more wintry setup before Thanksgiving — a reminder that New Hampshire’s snow season is waiting just offstage.
Five-Day Forecast for Manchester, NH:
Fri: 44/26 – Mostly sunny; calm and cool.
Sat: 44/30 – Mostly sunny early; clouds increasing late.
Sun: 51/28 – Rain early; cooler, breezy afternoon.
Mon: 41/28 – Mostly sunny; crisp and cold.
Tue: 45/27 – Bright, dry; light breeze, seasonal chill.
