Local News

Prepare now for extremely cold temperatures this week 

CONCORD, N.H. — The New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) urges residents and visitors to take action and prepare for extreme cold starting Monday night. 

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Gray, Maine, says arctic air will be the coldest to hit the region since January 2022. During overnight hours from Monday until Thursday, temperatures could feel like double digits below zero. 

During this time, residents and visitors should use caution during outdoor activities. 

“As extreme cold temperatures move into our state tomorrow, I urge Granite Staters to stay inside whenever possible and take steps to keep themselves, their families and their pets safe and warm,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte said. “Thank you to all of our emergency management personnel, first responders and road crews who are working around-the-clock to keep our state safe.” 

Frostbite is possible within 15 minutes when wind chill values are near minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit. At minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, hypothermia can occur in about 10 minutes. 

“Stay safe by limiting your time outdoors during the extreme cold,” said HSEM Director Robert Buxton. “If you have to travel, make sure your vehicle’s emergency kit is stocked. Check on your neighbors and those who may be more vulnerable to the cold.” 

Individuals and families in need of temporary shelter to keep warm are encouraged to contact 211 to locate the closest site that is open and available to them. 

Local communities are encouraged to share temporary shelter and warming locations with state officials through WebEOC so the most up-to-date local information may be provided to 211 callers. 

Buxton makes the following safety recommendations: 

Stay informed by signing up for NH Alerts and monitoring National Weather Service radio or broadcast weather reports. 

Stay indoors and limit travel as much as possible. If travel is necessary, prepare a winter emergency kit with warm clothes, boots, blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, food and water. 

Wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing when outdoors, including hat, scarf and gloves. 

If clothing becomes wet, remove it immediately. 

Protect people at high-risk by providing warm clothes and blankets and return indoors when shivering. 

Do not use a gas range or oven as an alternate source of heat. 

Plug space heaters directly into an outlet, not a power strip. 

Learn more about safety during extremely cold temperatures at ReadyNH.gov