Hold off on your July 4th celebrations just yet—New Hampshire is about to get hit with a powerful mix of heat and storms that could turn your weekday upside down. Forecasters say thunderstorms are expected to erupt by 5 p.m. Wednesday, right along the I‑93 corridor near Manchester, and with temperatures climbing into the 90s, it’s a dangerous recipe for sudden downpours, damaging wind gusts, and disruptive evening travel.
This isn’t your average summer shower. Wednesday afternoon’s forecast calls for pop-up storms that could come with little warning, producing blinding rain, isolated hail, and gusts strong enough to knock out power or bring down tree limbs. Drivers on I‑93, Route 101, and feeder roads into Manchester should brace for rapid changes in visibility and road conditions between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The heat won’t help matters. Even before the storms arrive, temperatures will be sweltering—hovering around 91°F—with humidity making it feel closer to 100°F in some areas. If you’re planning to be outside, stay in shaded areas and hydrate frequently. And if you’re on the road, be prepared for sudden delays, hydroplaning risks, and possibly flash flooding in poorly drained zones.
But here’s the brighter side: The worst will pass quickly.
Thursday Begins the Rebound—and July 4th Looks Beautiful
Once Wednesday’s thunderstorms clear out, Thursday brings a fresh start. The day will still be hot—expect highs around 90°F—but humidity will ease slightly, making conditions more bearable. A breeze in the afternoon could help clear any lingering clouds and smoke from fireworks practice runs.
Then comes the weekend—and it’s bringing some of the best weather we’ve seen all summer.
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Friday, July 4: Expect plenty of sunshine, dry conditions, and a high around 84°F—perfect for parades, cookouts, and fireworks shows across the state.
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Saturday and Sunday: The beautiful stretch continues, with highs near 88–90°F and cooler nights dipping into the mid-60s. Skies will remain mostly sunny or partly cloudy, with no major storm systems in sight.
Why This Forecast Matters
This midweek storm isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a timing risk. Many people will be hitting the roads for early July 4th getaways, running errands, or hosting outdoor events. The Wednesday afternoon window—right when storms are likely to peak—is also when most New Hampshire commuters are heading home, which raises the risk for accidents, delays, and emergency responses.
Storms are expected to strike quickly and move fast, but the risk they pose—especially when paired with extreme heat—shouldn’t be underestimated. Anyone spending time outside or on the road should be prepared with weather alerts, backup plans, and basic safety supplies (like water, flashlights, and chargers).
How to Stay Safe & Enjoy the Weekend
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Wednesday: If you must drive after 3 p.m., slow down and watch for water on roads. Keep your AC on, stay hydrated, and delay travel if possible.
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Thursday: Use the day for final prep—clean the grill, get your picnic gear ready, and take advantage of dry skies.
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Friday–Sunday: Enjoy safely! Wear sunscreen, keep cold drinks nearby, and don’t forget to pace yourself in the heat—especially during midday hours.
Final Word
New Hampshire is in for a classic summer whiplash—storms and sweat followed by sunshine and celebration. If you make it through Wednesday’s storms safely, the reward is a gorgeous stretch of weather just in time for the long holiday weekend. But keep your eye on the sky today—because that perfect Fourth of July forecast starts with a stormy detour.
