Berlin, NH – Northern New Hampshire may see a colder and wetter Thanksgiving travel period, as new long-range federal outlooks show a 33–40% probability of above-normal precipitation across the region from November 23 through November 29. With November chill already established in the North Country, even a modest precipitation signal could bring periods of wet snow or mixed precipitation—especially in the mountains.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s 8–14 Day Outlook released Saturday, northern New Hampshire sits along the northeastern edge of a storm corridor stretching from the Great Lakes into northern New England. Temperatures during this period are expected to run near to slightly below seasonal norms in higher elevations, raising the odds that some systems could produce early-season snow.
The White Mountains—including Mount Washington Valley, Pinkham Notch, Crawford Notch, and ski areas near Wildcat, Bretton Woods, Cannon Mountain, and Loon Mountain—carry the strongest chance for accumulating wet snow. Late-November systems often enhance precipitation along the windward slopes, and even weaker disturbances can bring slick conditions to mountain passes such as Route 2, Route 302, and the Kancamagus Highway.
The towns of Berlin, Gorham, Littleton, Lancaster, and North Conway sit in the same 33–40% wet-signal corridor. Temperatures in valley locations should hover around freezing during the overnight and early-morning hours, creating opportunities for a rain–snow mix or slushy conditions depending on storm timing.
Farther south toward Plymouth and the Lakes Region, precipitation is more likely to fall as cold rain, though higher terrain may still see brief wintry periods if colder pockets drift south.
Thanksgiving week brings significant travel across I-93, Route 16, and major White Mountain corridors. Even light snow or mixed precipitation can lead to slower driving conditions, especially in areas with steep grades and sharp curves.
Forecasters expect clearer snowfall details early next week as short-range models begin resolving individual storm systems.
