Concord, NH – A powerful arctic air mass is set to sweep across New Hampshire beginning Saturday, November 30, bringing the coldest temperatures of the season and creating potentially hazardous travel conditions along the busy I-93 corridor throughout the first week of December.
What to Expect as the Arctic Front Arrives
Forecasters at the National Weather Service (NWS) report that a strong arctic front will surge southward from Canada, sending temperatures tumbling well below seasonal norms. Early forecast models from the Climate Prediction Center indicate a 50–70% probability of below-normal temperatures, with northern New Hampshire likely to experience single-digit lows and subzero wind chills once the front settles in.
Meteorologists say this system represents the first major cold outbreak of the winter season. The sudden shift from relatively mild fall weather to biting Arctic air marks a rapid transition into winter across the northern United States.
Impact on I-93: Drivers Urged to Prepare for Dangerous Conditions
Travelers along Interstate 93 should prepare for a stretch of challenging weather, especially during the morning commute on Monday, December 2, and Tuesday, December 3. Forecasters warn of multiple hazards that could affect road safety:
- Icy road surfaces due to overnight freezing
- Frost development in southern New Hampshire
- Blowing snow reducing visibility in open areas north of Concord
- Gusty winds creating drifting patches across higher elevations
According to the NWS, even light snow combined with Arctic wind gusts can significantly reduce visibility on long stretches of open highway.
“Drivers should anticipate sudden visibility drops and slick patches, particularly early in the morning when temperatures are coldest,” the NWS said in a briefing.
These conditions may be worsened by wind chills dipping below zero in northern Coös County, making breakdowns and roadside stops more dangerous than usual.
Timeline of the Weather Shift
The cold blast is expected to unfold in several stages:
- Saturday, Nov. 30: Arctic front enters northern New Hampshire, dropping temperatures sharply in the evening.
- Sunday, Dec. 1: Wind chills reach subzero levels in the north; frost and freezing temperatures extend southward.
- Monday–Tuesday (Dec. 2–3): The coldest period. Morning commutes along I-93 will be the most hazardous due to icy roads, blowing snow, and gusty winds.
- Wednesday, Dec. 4 onward: Gradual moderation but temperatures remain colder than average.
This prolonged stretch of cold weather underscores the beginning of winter across the region, even as the southern and southeastern U.S. remains warmer than normal, creating a stark north–south contrast.
Key Safety Tips for Drivers and Residents
State officials are urging residents to prepare now before temperatures plunge.
“Check your vehicles, heating systems, and emergency supplies. Arctic outbreaks like this can be dangerous if people are caught unprepared,” a New Hampshire emergency management spokesman advised.
To stay safe during the early-December freeze, authorities recommend:
- Inspect vehicle tires and antifreeze levels before the weekend
- Keep extra blankets and water in your car during travel
- Allow extra commute time on I-93 Monday and Tuesday
- Dress in layers to prevent frostbite during prolonged exposure
- Monitor local weather updates for road closures or advisories
With wind chills expected to fall below zero in northern regions, even brief exposure can lead to cold-related injuries if residents are not adequately prepared.
Additional Weather Context: Why This Arctic Blast Matters
Though New Hampshire is no stranger to winter weather, meteorologists note that early-season Arctic outbreaks can be more disruptive because residents and infrastructure haven’t fully transitioned into winter mode.
Early December cold snaps are known to strain heating systems, increase energy consumption, and create higher accident risks on untreated roads. This particular cold event also comes during a period of shifting weather patterns across the continent, with the Northeast bracing for deep winter conditions while the southern U.S. remains unusually warm.
Experts say this pattern could repeat throughout the coming months, producing sharp temperature contrasts and occasional extreme cold events in the northern states.
Conclusion
With New Hampshire preparing for its first significant Arctic blast of the season, residents and travelers—especially those who rely on Interstate 93—should take precautions ahead of the forecasted cold surge. The combination of icy roads, blowing snow, and subzero wind chills will require extra vigilance through the first week of December.
Have you experienced hazardous winter travel on I-93 before? Share your experiences in the comments below.
