A Nice Weather Week And A Warning About New Hampshire Water Temperatures: Forecasters

CONCORD, NH — The weather is starting to warm up in the Granite State, which, as we all know, is a good thing.

However, it does pose some dangers, too. The weather will be so nice this week, forecasters with the National Weather Service issued a “special weather statement” on Monday morning, warning of very cold temperatures in ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and the ocean. The warmup, they said, “may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures, which are currently only in the lower 50s across Sebago Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee, and in the middle 50s in the region’s smaller lakes and rivers.” The cold water can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in it.

“According to the USCG,” the alert stated, “when the water temperature is below 60 degrees, the average submerged person could lose dexterity within minutes and be unable to accomplish simple tasks like buckling a life jacket or operating a radio. Anyone on small boats, canoes, or kayaks should plan accordingly if recreating this weekend and use extreme caution to avoid this threat. Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life jacket.”

Forecasters also said, due to the spring melting and rain, rivers continue to offer swift water currents, which can “easily overturn a kayak or canoe into the frigid river waters.” Once in the water, though, “the strong currents will make it difficult to reach safety.”

On Tuesday, expect sunny skies and highs in the upper 70s in Concord and the capital region, Nashua, and the central part of the state. Temps will be in the lower 70s on the Seacoast. Overnight lows will drop into the lower 50s.

Wednesday will be partly cloudy with highs in the upper 70s — lower 70s on the Seacoast, and lows in the lower to middle 50s.

Rain is expected to return on Thursday afternoon, with highs in the upper 60s. The rain will continue overnight during the early morning hours, and temperatures will be in the mid-50s.

Friday, rain is also expected, but then, the sun returns, and highs will be in the lower 70s.

Showers are possible on Saturday and Sunday.

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