As the last days of August unfold, weather patterns across the UK and New England are offering a striking study in contrasts. While New Hampshire residents brace for a stretch of sun, clouds, and persistent drought, Greater Manchester finds itself under the grip of a stubborn rain band, with heavy showers and fluctuating temperatures shaping the week. With Labor Day and the first day of meteorological fall just around the corner, both regions are experiencing the sort of capricious weather that late summer is known for—but with some notable twists.
In New Hampshire, August 27, 2025, dawned with a classic late-summer blend: a mix of sunshine and clouds, with a stray shower possible to keep things interesting. As Rick Gordon’s Weather Watch on the Manchester Ink Link reports, the high temperature was set at a comfortable 76 degrees Fahrenheit, while a west-northwest breeze at 10 to 15+ mph added a refreshing edge to the air. The evening promised to be mainly clear and chilly, dipping to a low of 49 degrees, with winds settling into a light and variable pattern. For those who relish crisp nights and clear skies, it’s a recipe for a perfect evening outdoors.
Looking ahead to Thursday, the forecast called for partial sunshine with clouds increasing later in the day, as temperatures climbed toward 80 degrees. Winds were expected to shift to a west-southwest direction at 5 to 10 mph. As the week progressed, the pattern would shift again: Friday brought mostly cloudy conditions with scattered showers and thunderstorms, a high of 71 degrees, and southerly winds at 5 to 10 mph. Friday night would see a return to partly cloudy skies and a low of 52 degrees. By Saturday, the cycle repeated—periods of sun and clouds, a slight chance of a shower, and a high of 73 degrees, with west-northwest winds picking up to 5-15 mph.
But while the daily weather offers variety, the underlying story for New Hampshire is drought. According to the Manchester Ink Link, drought conditions are expected to persist through the Labor Day weekend, keeping fire danger high. Even with the occasional stray shower—like the one possible on August 27—or a few spotty thunderstorms on August 29, the overall outlook is dry. For those planning hikes or outdoor adventures, the advice is clear: stay vigilant, as fire risk remains significant.
Labor Day itself, which falls on September 1 and marks both a holiday and the beginning of meteorological fall, promises a welcome reprieve: pleasant sunshine and a high near 80 degrees. It’s the sort of weather that invites families to the beach, hikers to the trails, and everyone else to simply enjoy the outdoors before the chill of autumn sets in.
For those venturing to higher elevations on August 27, the forecast was more challenging. Summits above 4,000 feet were expected to be obscured by clouds, with highs in the lower 50s—except above 5,000 feet, where temperatures would dip into the upper 40s. Northwest winds would be brisk, at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 35 mph. Elevations between 2,500 and 4,000 feet would see clouds drifting in and out, highs in the upper 50s, and occasional gusts up to 25 mph. It’s a reminder that New England’s mountains can feel like a different world, even in late summer.
Beachgoers at Hampton and Rye Beach would find mostly sunny skies with isolated showers, low thunderstorm potential, and high temperatures in the lower 70s. Winds would start out of the northwest at about 5 mph before shifting south in the afternoon, with surf heights around 2 feet and a low risk of rip currents. The ocean temperature was a brisk 64 degrees, and tides at Hampton Beach were set to be low at 0.6 feet at 8:55 AM and high at 8.6 feet at 2:51 PM. For those preferring lakes, Weirs Beach offered west winds around 5 mph, waves near 1 foot, and mostly sunny conditions with a 20% chance of afternoon showers. The water temperature was a pleasant 73 degrees—just right for a late-summer dip.
Across the Atlantic, Greater Manchester was facing a very different set of challenges. After what was described as a “glorious Bank Holiday weekend,” the region was set for a return to normal with cloudy skies and heavy rain, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. On August 26, a persistent band of rain settled over the area, and the Met Office predicted it would linger for several days. Light showers were expected from midday, with a 60% chance of precipitation. Fortunately, the rain was expected to taper off later in the day, dropping to a 10% chance and then plateauing at 5% into the evening. Temperatures remained in the low 20s Celsius, falling to 16°C by nightfall. The sun would make the occasional appearance in the afternoon, but clouds would dominate the sky.
Wednesday, August 27, brought even more dramatic swings. The Met Office forecast called for heavy rain from midday to 3 PM, with a daunting 90% chance of precipitation. After 4 PM, however, the skies were expected to dry up, offering sunny intervals before clearing completely around 6 PM. Temperatures would peak at 20°C and fall to 15°C well into the night. The Manchester Evening News summed it up best: “Greater Manchester will see almost all the seasons on Wednesday.”
For residents, this week’s weather means adjusting plans on the fly—whether that’s grabbing an umbrella for the morning commute or seizing a rare sunny spell in the evening for a walk. The forecast for the remainder of the week suggests the rain band will remain a recurring theme, with intervals of sun offering only brief respite.
Comparing the two regions, it’s clear that while New Hampshire is battling persistent dryness and fire danger, Greater Manchester is contending with the opposite: an abundance of rain, cloudy skies, and fluctuating temperatures. Both regions, however, are united by the unpredictability of late summer weather, as well as the resilience of residents who know how to make the most of whatever the skies may bring.
As Labor Day approaches in the United States and the UK settles back into its post-holiday routine, one thing is certain: whether it’s sunshine or showers, the weather continues to shape daily life in ways both big and small. And for those keeping an eye on the forecast, there’s always something new just over the horizon.
