WMUR weather warns light snow moving in this morning, but the real shock tonight might be colder than expected

WMUR weather alerts New Hampshire to early morning light snow moving in right now, with temperatures plummeting to around 11 degrees tonight. The WMUR weather team warns that slick travel conditions are possible this morning before conditions improve. Prepare for a frigid end to the day and bundle up as another chilly pattern takes hold across New England.

WMUR Weather Team Early Morning Forecast Update

The WMUR weather team led by Chief Meteorologist Mike Haddad and senior forecasters Kevin Skarupa, Hayley LaPoint, Jacqueline Thomas, and Matt Hoenig confirms light snow is moving into New Hampshire this morning. Conditions remain manageable throughout the day with only minimal snow accumulation expected. Drivers should exercise caution, as slick conditions are possible during the morning commute across central and southern portions of the state.

The low pressure system tracking south of New England brings this light precipitation, but most areas will see only a coating to 1 inch of snow. The broader winter storm pattern affecting other parts of New England is bypassing interior New Hampshire, leaving the region relatively untouched. By afternoon, snow will taper off to just cloudy skies as the system moves away.

Temperature Collapse Tonight Brings Bitter Cold

What makes today’s forecast particularly notable is the dramatic temperature drop expected tonight. Highs today peak near 29°F, but once the sun sets, freezing air rapidly overtakes the region. Tonight’s low dropping to just 11°F will create one of the coldest nights so far this mid-December period. The wind chill effect will make it feel even more extreme for anyone spending time outdoors.

This rapid temperature collapse is driven by cold air pouring south from Canada on increasingly brisk northwest winds. Wind speeds accelerate throughout Sunday afternoon, gusting as high as 15 mph by evening. The combination of falling temperatures, increasing wind, and fresh snow will compact conditions into a genuinely cold winter night.

Travel and Safety Considerations for December 14

WMUR weather emphasizes that travelers should slow down on roads this morning while snow falls. Although accumulations remain light, moisture on pavement combined with temperatures at or below freezing creates genuinely dangerous driving conditions. The wind gusts increasing to 15 mph could briefly reduce visibility during heavier snow bursts. By afternoon, the snow tapers off, but the wind continues accelerating as temperatures continue their inexorable decline.

Tonight will be brutally cold for anyone without proper winter preparations. Exposed skin faces frostbite risk within just minutes at wind chill values below zero. Make sure vehicles have adequate winterization, pets are brought indoors, and homeless populations are directed to warming centers. The 11°F overnight low represents a genuine cold snap after the relatively mild early December pattern.

Monday’s Brutal Pattern and the Larger Weather Picture

Conditions Monday will be even harsher than Sunday night. High temperatures Monday struggle to reach only the lower 20s, with the wind chill making it feel more like 5 to 10 below zero. Wind gusts accelerate to 20 mph or higher, creating dangerously cold wind chills that linger through the day. This pattern represents a significant departure from the above-normal temperatures that dominated November and early December across New Hampshire.

The NOAA winter forecast for 2025-2026 predicted warmer temperatures across November, December, and January due to a developing La Niña pattern. However, this Arctic outbreak showcases that within longer-term warm trends, cold snaps still occur. The dramatic temperature swing from the mild early December period to today’s brutal Arctic push underscores how active the jet stream pattern remains. Expect the bitter cold to persist through at least midweek before slow moderation returns.

Is Tonight’s Cold Snap a Preview of the Entire Winter Ahead?

WMUR forecasts indicate that despite La Niña development, New Hampshire should expect more snow and active weather than some parts of the country. The longer-term outlook suggests a winter pattern featuring alternating periods of cold and relatively mild air, punctuated by significant snowfall events. This brutal cold snap demonstrates that even in a warmer-than-average winter, individual Arctic outbreaks remain common.

Residents preparing for winter should ensure supplies are stocked now rather than waiting for major storms. Light snow today may seem minor, but tonight’s plunge to 11 degrees signals that serious winter weather arrives in December in New Hampshire. The WMUR weather team will continue monitoring the developing pattern throughout the week as cold air gradually moderates. Check local forecasts daily for updates on the extent of the cold snap and any additional winter storms in the coming weeks.

Sources

• WMUR-TV — New Hampshire weather updates and forecasts from Chief Meteorologist Mike Haddad and team
• National Weather Service — New England weather story and regional forecast data
• NOAA Climate Prediction Center — Winter 2025-2026 seasonal forecast and La Niña impacts

Patrick Graham

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