In an interesting turn of weather events, voters in New Hampshire will face a wintry mix as they head to the polls for the upcoming primary election on Tuesday. After enduring record-cold temperatures during Iowa's caucuses, the Granite State is now preparing for the opposite extreme.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, New Hampshire will see warmer air filtering in, but this will not eliminate the chances of encountering ice or snow on election day. A storm system that caused an ice storm in parts of the mid-South and Midwest could potentially approach the region before polls close, with light precipitation expected throughout most of the day.

Temperatures in most areas of New Hampshire are forecasted to be in the upper 30s, accompanied by possible snow showers in cities such as Manchester, Concord, and Lebanon. Despite these wintry conditions, the expectation is for a higher turnout compared to Iowa's caucuses, as the primary contests in New Hampshire typically see double the participation.

Dr. David Richards, an associate professor and political chair at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia, noted that the cold weather in Iowa did not significantly impact turnout or alter results. He expressed confidence that New Hampshire voters would still come out in large numbers, highlighting the simplicity of the primary process compared to caucuses.

The historical weather patterns during previous primaries in New Hampshire further support the idea that weather conditions may influence voter turnout. Analysis of data since 1952 shows that in at least three-quarters of all contests, daily high temperatures in populated regions of the state have met or exceeded average levels. Research published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology also suggests that warmer weather can lead to increased turnout among certain voting groups.

While most areas in New Hampshire will experience manageable weather conditions, Mount Washington remains an exception. Sitting at an impressive altitude of 6,288 feet, this mountain peak is known for its extreme weather. In 2023, it recorded a bone-chilling wind chill of -108 degrees and witnessed a staggering gust of 231 mph in 1934.

Despite the weather challenges, New Hampshirites are revered for their commitment to the electoral process. As the primary election approaches, voters are encouraged to brave the wintry mix and participate in deciding the future of their presidential candidates. Following New Hampshire, the primary season will move on to contests in Nevada, the Virgin Islands, and South Carolina, where the weather is expected to be warmer and less demanding for voters and candidates alike.