If you’re planning to travel through Manchester or cruise down I‑93 on Tuesday, you could be driving straight into danger. Beginning at 11 a.m., temperatures will spike so high that “feels-like” conditions could hit a blistering 109°F, prompting urgent alerts from weather and health officials. This isn’t just another hot day—it’s an extreme heat event that threatens more than your comfort. It could impact your safety, your health, and your vehicle.
The Hidden Heat Dome Above New Hampshire
This week’s heat isn’t happening by accident. A heat dome—a high-pressure system that traps heat near the ground—is setting up over the region. That means intense sunshine, no wind, and humid air, all combining to push both the temperature and humidity to hazardous levels.
While the actual air temperature may hover in the mid to upper 90s, the humidity will supercharge the “real-feel” to well over 100°F, peaking near 109°F around major road corridors like I‑93. Add the baking effect of blacktop highways and the heat risks multiply fast.
Why This Is More Than Just an Inconvenience
When the National Weather Service issues an Extreme Heat Alert, it means the risk of heat illness is high for everyone—not just the elderly or those with medical conditions.
Here’s who should be especially cautious:
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Drivers stuck in traffic, especially with older cars or without working AC
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Road crews, landscapers, and delivery drivers working directly in the sun
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Children and pets in vehicles, even briefly left unattended
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Anyone walking or biking during midday
What can happen?
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Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea
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Heat stroke: no sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat—this is a medical emergency
What You Need to Do to Stay Safe
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Travel early or late: Avoid road trips during peak heat hours (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
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Hydrate constantly: Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Drink water often.
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Check your car before driving: Overheated engines and tire blowouts are more common in extreme heat.
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Never leave kids or pets in the car, even for a few minutes—temperatures can climb to deadly levels in moments.
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Dress smart: Light-colored, breathable clothes, hats, and sunglasses are your first line of defense.
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Limit outdoor labor and take breaks: Cooling off regularly is critical, especially on hot pavement.
Why I-93 Is a Special Danger Zone
The stretch of I‑93 through Manchester acts like a giant heat reflector. Traffic, concrete, and minimal shade mean the surface temperature can soar 20–30 degrees above the air temperature. If your car breaks down, even standing beside it puts you at risk of rapid dehydration or heat stroke. And with air stagnating under the heat dome, there’s no breeze to offer relief.
When Will It Cool Off?
Unfortunately, there’s little relief in sight until late Wednesday or early Thursday, when a possible shift in weather patterns could bring thunderstorms and slightly cooler air. Until then, the heat remains dangerously intense, especially during the afternoons and early evenings.
The Real Takeaway
This is more than a hot day—it’s a heat emergency. If you’re in Manchester, planning to be on the roads, or doing anything strenuous outside, you need to plan ahead. Hydrate. Stay cool. Protect yourself and your family.
