Weather Watch May 6, 2026, Manchester, NH, with Rick Gordon – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Manchester, NH – A refreshing but damp shift grips southern New Hampshire today, as meteorologist Rick Gordon outlined in his latest Weather Watch. After an early-week warm-up, breezy southwesterly winds usher in clouds and scattered showers, cooling highs to more seasonable levels.[1][2] This change matters for locals planning outdoor pursuits, signaling a pattern of below-normal temperatures through mid-May that could linger into the weekend.[3]
Today’s Outlook: Clouds, Gusts, and Afternoon Rain
Conditions started mild this morning around 66 degrees under partly sunny skies, but clouds thickened quickly.[4] Gordon noted mostly cloudy coverage persisting through the day, with a couple of showers likely developing after midday and totaling about a quarter-inch of rain. High temperatures topped out near 70 degrees, accompanied by south-southwest winds at 10 to 20-plus mph, gusting higher in exposed spots.
Tonight brings continued cloudiness early, with light rain adding another tenth to a fifth of an inch before skies partially clear. Lows dip to 47 degrees, feeling like 43 amid west winds at 10 to 15 mph. No active watches or warnings affect the region, though the gusts prompted a heads-up for unsecured items outdoors.
Midweek Cool-Down: Thursday and Friday Bring Wind and Chills
Thursday maintains the unsettled vibe, with cloudy skies and cooler air yielding highs around 56 to 64 degrees. Some rain, totaling roughly half an inch, moves through during the morning and early afternoon before tapering. Breezy west-northwest winds at 15 to 20-plus mph make it feel a few degrees chillier, with lows near 44 degrees under partly cloudy conditions.
Friday stays chilly under a mix of sun and clouds, as highs hover near 59 to 60 degrees but feel like the mid-50s due to persistent west-northwest gusts up to 25-plus mph. Overnight lows could reach 37 to 40 degrees, with frost possible in low-lying areas. This setup reinforces the broader cooling trend Gordon highlighted, keeping readings below seasonal norms of the upper 60s.
Weekend into Mother’s Day: Mixed Skies with Scattered Showers
Saturday turns cloudy and chilly again, with highs around 58 degrees and a few afternoon showers possible under south-southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Lows hold at 46 degrees overnight. Sunday, marking Mother’s Day, offers a partial rebound to partly to mostly cloudy skies and highs near 72 degrees, though evening showers could deliver two-tenths of an inch.
- Key weekend shifts: Chilly start Saturday improves slightly Sunday, but rain chances persist.
- Monday preview: Showery with highs in the lower 60s, maintaining the cool pattern.
- Extended note: Below-normal temperatures dominate until mid-May, per Gordon’s analysis.
Mountain Elevations: Heavier Rain and Stronger Winds
Higher terrain faces more intense weather today. Summits above 4,000 feet in northern New Hampshire expect rain chances nearing 100 percent, with highs around 50 degrees and south winds gusting to 45 mph. Elevations between 2,500 and 4,000 feet see similar rain coverage, highs in the lower 50s, and gusts to 30 mph.
Gordon advised caution for hikers, emphasizing slick trails and reduced visibility in heavier downpours. Lower valleys remain milder but still warrant rain gear for afternoon outings.
What Matters Now: Pack layers and rain protection – this cool, showery stretch tests early May plans, but no major storms loom. The breezy cooldown refreshes after recent warmth, setting a typical spring tone.
As New Hampshire navigates this variable spring weather, Gordon’s update underscores the region’s classic unpredictability. Residents can look forward to gradual moderation beyond mid-May, but for now, the focus stays on safe adaptation to the chill and wet.
