New Hampshire, November 28, 2024 — As Thanksgiving Day approaches, residents of New Hampshire are bracing for a mix of snow, rain, and chilly temperatures that will move across the state throughout the day. Whether you're planning to travel to family gatherings or enjoying the holiday at home, it's important to stay prepared for changing weather conditions.
Here’s an hour-by-hour breakdown of what you can expect from the weather on Thanksgiving:
6:00 AM - Early Morning: Cloud Cover and Light Precipitation
The day begins with overcast skies across most of New Hampshire, with light precipitation starting to move in from the west. For those in the southern regions, this means rain, while the northern parts of the state will see snowflakes begin to fall. Temperatures will hover around the low 30s in the north, with a few areas experiencing temperatures just above freezing in the south.
- Southern NH: Rain starts, especially in cities like Manchester and Concord.
- Northern NH: Snow begins, with the possibility of a light dusting in areas such as the White Mountains and the Lakes Region.
8:00 AM - Widespread Snow in the North, Light Rain South
By mid-morning, snow will be steadily falling across northern New Hampshire, including areas like Berlin and Littleton, where up to 2 inches could accumulate by noon. Snowfall rates will pick up as temperatures remain near or below freezing, causing slick road conditions. Meanwhile, the southern half of the state will see light rain, which could mix with snow in areas along the I-89 and I-93 corridors, including Concord and Keene.
- Northern NH: Steady snow continues to fall, making travel conditions tricky.
- Southern NH: Light rain persists, with temperatures around 34°F to 37°F.
11:00 AM - Snow in the North, Rain Spreads Northward
By late morning, the snow will continue to intensify in the northern regions, and rain will spread further into the central and southern areas of the state. Northern New Hampshire could see snowfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour, while the southern portion of the state remains rainy and chilly. For those heading to Thanksgiving dinner or traveling early in the day, be mindful of the road conditions, particularly in the north.
- Northern NH: Snow accumulations increase, possibly reaching up to 4 inches by noon.
- Central & Southern NH: Rain persists, with temperatures in the low 40s, causing the snow to transition to rain in the central part of the state.
1:00 PM - Rain Becomes Heavy in the South
By early afternoon, heavy rain will begin to make its way into southern New Hampshire. This could cause localized flooding in areas that are already saturated from recent rains. For those in the northern parts of the state, the snow will continue to pile up, with 4 to 6 inches possible in higher elevations by the end of the day.
- Southern NH: Heavy rain becomes widespread, especially in cities like Nashua and Portsmouth.
- Northern NH: Snow continues to accumulate, and temperatures remain around freezing, making roads slippery.
3:00 PM - Snow Transitioning to Rain in Central NH
In central New Hampshire, temperatures will rise slightly, causing the snow to transition to rain. By mid-afternoon, places like Concord and Laconia could see a mixture of rain and wet snow. Meanwhile, northern parts of the state will continue to see snow, with the potential for some light flurries in areas above 1,500 feet.
- Central NH: Snow turns to rain as temperatures climb into the mid-30s.
- Northern NH: Snow continues, but the intensity will decrease slightly.
5:00 PM - Snow Winds Down in the North
As we approach the evening, the snow in the northern regions of New Hampshire will begin to taper off, though light snow showers may continue intermittently. In the south, the heavy rain will persist, and areas along the Seacoast could see gusty winds, making for a raw and chilly evening. Temperatures in the south will remain in the upper 30s and low 40s, while the north will see a slight dip to around 30°F.
- Northern NH: Snowfall winds down, but slippery conditions could persist into the night.
- Southern NH: Heavy rain continues, with wind gusts up to 40 mph near the coast.
7:00 PM - Evening: Snowfall Diminishes in the North, Rain Continues South
By evening, the snow in the northern parts of the state will be winding down, but areas in the White Mountains could still experience some flurries. Southern New Hampshire will continue to deal with rain, possibly heavy at times, with temperatures in the 40s. Expect a blustery evening along the coast, particularly in Portsmouth, where gusty winds will make it feel colder than it actually is.
- Northern NH: Snow ends, with roads remaining icy in places.
- Southern NH: Rain continues, and winds pick up.
9:00 PM and Beyond – A Quiet Night for the North, Rain Lingering in the South
As Thanksgiving night sets in, conditions will calm down in the north, with clearer skies and dropping temperatures. However, rain will still be falling in southern New Hampshire, especially along the Seacoast. Temperatures will hover in the mid-30s to low 40s, with a continued chance of rain through the night. Travelers heading out late should be aware of wet roads, particularly along Route 101.
- Northern NH: Clear skies, cold, and quiet.
- Southern NH: Rain continues, with potential localized flooding concerns.
Weekend Outlook
The snow and rain will likely clear up by Friday morning, but cold temperatures will remain in place, making it feel more like winter than Thanksgiving. If you're venturing out on Friday for any Black Friday sales or outdoor activities, expect chilly temperatures with a mix of sun and clouds.
Travel Impact
Travelers should be prepared for slick and potentially hazardous road conditions, especially in the northern regions where snow accumulations could make for challenging travel. In the southern part of the state, expect heavy rain and possible flooding in low-lying areas. Be sure to check local traffic reports and weather advisories before heading out.
Stay safe and enjoy your Thanksgiving, whether you're celebrating with loved ones or braving the winter weather on the roads!
