New Hampshire and Maine See Brief January Thaw as Rain Moves In Before Overnight Freeze and Another Weekend Weather System
NEW HAMPSHIRE AND MAINE — Parts of New Hampshire and Maine are entering a brief January thaw, offering a short stretch of milder daytime temperatures before colder air reasserts itself overnight, potentially freezing rain-soaked surfaces and keeping winter firmly in control across the region.
Meteorologists say while this warm-up may feel like a welcome break after recent cold weather, it should not be mistaken for a long-term change in the season. Winter conditions remain entrenched, especially during overnight hours when temperatures are expected to fall back below freezing.
Temporary Warm-Up Brings Milder Days, Cold Nights
Daytime temperatures across much of New Hampshire and Maine are forecast to remain on the warmer side for the next several days. However, nighttime lows are expected to stay mostly below freezing, limiting ice melt and keeping winter hazards in place.
Forecasters noted that this setup represents a typical January pattern, where short-lived warmth is followed quickly by colder air. Lakes across the region are not expected to see significant ice growth during this period, but freezing conditions will continue overnight.
Rain Expected Friday With Freeze to Follow
Rain is expected to move into the region on Friday, though forecasters say precipitation will likely be sporadic and scattered, with no strong or organized storm system initially. Later Friday, a passing front is expected to move through the area. As this happens, conditions may shift rapidly.
Key concerns include:
- Periods of heavier rain late Friday
- Falling temperatures overnight
- Rainwater freezing on roads, sidewalks, and untreated surfaces
This transition raises the risk of slick travel conditions late Friday night into early Saturday, particularly in areas where temperatures drop quickly after rainfall.
Weekend System Brings More Uncertainty
Another weather system is expected to affect New Hampshire and Maine Saturday into Sunday, following a similar pattern to the system that just passed through the region, though tracking slightly farther north.
At this stage, forecasters caution that details remain uncertain, including exact precipitation types and timing. As the system approaches, meteorologists expect forecast clarity to improve. Residents are advised to stay alert for updates, especially given the potential for rain transitioning into colder conditions.
Winter Conditions Still Dominant Despite Thaw
Despite the milder daytime temperatures, forecasters emphasized that winter is not over. The ongoing pattern supports cold air returning behind these systems, reinforcing the seasonal risks associated with freezing temperatures. The combination of rain, cold nights, and repeated weather systems means that refreezing remains a major concern, even during periods of daytime warmth.
What Residents Should Keep in Mind
While the upcoming days may feel less harsh during daylight hours, residents across New Hampshire and Maine should remain prepared for winter hazards, including:
- Icy surfaces following rain
- Rapid temperature drops overnight
- Another unsettled weekend weather system
- Continued below-freezing nighttime temperatures
SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com will continue to monitor weather developments across New Hampshire and Maine and provide timely updates as forecasts become clearer and conditions evolve.
