If you’ve been wondering whether spring took a rain check, you’re not alone. The city has been stuck under a stubborn dome of clouds, chilly temperatures, and steady rain—making mid-May feel more like late March. But don’t put away those barbecue plans just yet. A weather turnaround is on the way, and just in time for Memorial Day, sunshine and temperatures in the 70s could make a triumphant return.
This week starts off gloomy and gray, continuing a soggy pattern that’s already dumped more than 7 inches of rain on the region so far this May—more than double the average. That’s not just a passing drizzle either—Manchester has been drenched with frequent, chilly rains that are keeping temperatures well below normal.
Here’s What to Expect This Week (Day by Day)
Tuesday to Friday will be all about umbrellas, layers, and staying dry. Here’s how it breaks down:
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Wednesday, May 21: Expect patchy drizzle and cloudy skies. Highs won’t make it past 56°F, with overnight lows dipping into the upper 40s.
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Thursday, May 22: Possibly the chilliest day of the week. Winds pick up, and more rain arrives. Afternoon highs barely hit 50°F, while nighttime temps hover around 46°F.
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Friday, May 23: Still gloomy and cool with scattered showers. Highs around 54°F, with lows again near 47°F.
These temperatures are 10–15 degrees below seasonal norms, making it feel more like early spring than the doorstep of summer. The lingering clouds and lack of sunshine are also delaying that familiar Memorial Day buzz.
Relief Is Coming Just in Time: Your Memorial Day Weekend Forecast
Starting Saturday, things finally begin to turn around. The clouds won’t disappear all at once, but the pattern starts to shift:
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Saturday, May 24: A mix of clouds and the odd light shower. Still on the cool side with highs near 59°F.
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Sunday, May 25: Finally, we break into the mid-60s with partial sunshine. It won’t be hot, but it’ll feel a lot better.
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Memorial Day – Monday, May 26: This is your golden window. Temperatures soar back to the low 70s, and while a few passing clouds or sprinkles might sneak in, it should be mostly dry and perfect for cookouts, parades, and outdoor gatherings.
Why Is This Happening?
Manchester—and much of New England—is caught in a persistent low-pressure pattern that’s been funneling cold air and moisture from Canada. Think of it as a spinning top of storminess that just refuses to move on. But as we approach the weekend, that pattern finally breaks down, allowing a ridge of warmer, drier air to push in from the west.
It’s a classic New England weather whiplash: cloudy and cold one day, sunny and warm the next.
What Should You Do?
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Don’t cancel Memorial Day plans just because of early-week rain. The second half of the weekend looks far more promising.
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Keep jackets and umbrellas handy through Friday, especially if you’re commuting or have kids in outdoor activities.
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Be cautious of slick roads in the mornings due to overnight drizzle or light rain.
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Monitor local updates, especially on Friday night into Saturday, as forecasts will sharpen heading into the holiday.
Final Takeaway
Manchester might feel like it’s stuck in a spring slump right now, but better days are just ahead. By Monday, you could be flipping burgers under partly sunny skies with temps in the low 70s—a welcome change after a cold, wet week. So hang tight, keep those Memorial Day plans in your back pocket, and get ready for some long-awaited sunshine.
