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New Hampshire Braces for Overnight Wintry Mix, Slippery Commute Ahead

about 1 year agoGB
New Hampshire Braces for Overnight Wintry Mix, Slippery Commute AheadSource: wmur.com
After a brief break, an active weather pattern returns to New Hampshire, bringing a mixed bag of precipitation starting overnight. Clouds will thicken through the afternoon, leading into a system that will impact travel conditions into Thursday morning, with another potential system looming for the weekend.

Key Insights

Timing: Precipitation develops after 8-9 PM tonight, continuing through Thursday morning.

Precipitation Types: Starts as light snow (especially western/northern NH), transitioning to a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain overnight, before changing to rain showers Thursday morning as temperatures rise. Coastal areas are more likely to see rain mixed with sleet.

Main Impact: Slippery travel conditions are expected overnight and during the Thursday morning commute, particularly inland and away from the immediate coast. Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for these areas.

Accumulations: Generally minor snow accumulation (up to 2+ inches possible in northern mountains), with potential for a glaze of ice from freezing rain/sleet causing slick spots. Significant icing leading to widespread power outages is *not* expected with this initial system.

Temperatures: Highs reach the 40s Wednesday, warming into the 40s and 50s on Thursday. Friday sees partial sun and highs in the 50s.

Weekend Outlook: Another system approaches for the weekend. Showers may develop Saturday afternoon (likely rain initially), potentially mixing with or changing to snow/sleet inland Saturday night into Sunday before turning back to rain Sunday. Highs: 40s Saturday, 50s Sunday. Some forecasts indicate a potential for heavier snow/ice inland this weekend, so stay tuned for updates.

Why this matters: The primary concern is hazardous travel due to slippery roads from snow, sleet, and freezing rain, especially during commute times.

In-Depth Analysis

New Hampshire is currently between weather systems, but conditions will change this evening. A relatively quick-moving system will arrive after dark, initially bringing light snow to western, central, and northern parts of the state. As temperatures hover near freezing overnight, this will change to a wintry mix including sleet and freezing rain.

The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisories for areas away from the coastal plain due to the risk of slippery travel. While ice accumulation isn't expected to be heavy enough to cause widespread power outages with this first wave, roads, bridges, and overpasses could become slick.

By Thursday morning, warmer air will push in, changing the precipitation to rain showers for most, with temperatures climbing into the 40s and 50s. Conditions improve Thursday evening into Friday, which looks milder with partial sunshine and highs in the 50s.

However, the active pattern continues into the weekend. Clouds increase Saturday, with rain showers likely developing in the afternoon. Overnight Saturday into Sunday, colder air could allow for a changeover to a wintry mix or snow, particularly in central and northern New Hampshire, before transitioning back to rain showers on Sunday. There is some uncertainty regarding the weekend system's intensity, with potential for more significant snow/ice accumulations inland compared to coastal areas. Early next week looks clearer but cooler, with highs mainly in the 40s.

How to Prepare

Allow extra travel time for the Thursday morning commute.

Treat surfaces as potentially icy, especially bridges and overpasses, even if precipitation seems light.

Check road conditions before heading out.

Monitor forecast updates closely, especially regarding the weekend system's potential impacts.

Who This Affects Most

Commuters traveling overnight tonight and Thursday morning, particularly inland.

Anyone with travel plans within New Hampshire through Thursday morning.

Those planning outdoor activities or travel over the upcoming weekend should stay aware of evolving forecasts.

FAQs

Q: When will travel be most difficult?

A: The most hazardous travel conditions are expected overnight tonight through the Thursday morning commute, especially in central, western, and northern New Hampshire away from the immediate coast.

Q: Is significant snowfall expected?

A: Not widespread heavy snow with the first system. The highest amounts (up to a few inches) are likely in the White Mountains and Great North Woods. The main concern is slippery conditions from mixed precipitation and light icing. The weekend system *could* bring more significant snow/ice inland, but details are still uncertain.

Q: Will there be power outages?

A: Widespread power outages are unlikely with the overnight/Thursday system due to limited ice accumulation. The risk could increase with the weekend system if heavier icing occurs inland.

Key Takeaways

Be prepared for slippery roads overnight and Thursday morning. Drive cautiously and allow extra time.

The immediate coast will see less impact, likely more rain/sleet.

Friday offers a temporary break with milder weather.

Stay updated on the forecast for the weekend, as another potentially impactful system is expected, especially for inland areas.

Discussion

How are you preparing for the potentially slippery conditions? Do you think the weekend storm will bring significant snow to your area? Let us know!

Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

Sources & References

Source 2: WMTW News 8 Portland (Forecast details synthesized)

Source 3: Seacoastonline / USA TODAY NETWORK - New England (Forecast details synthesized)

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