CONCORD, N.H.—A few days ago, temperatures fought to get above zero as candidates fought for votes in New Hampshire, but Old Man Winter is giving the state a break, with temperatures predicted to soar into the 50s as voters prepared to turn out in potential record numbers.
"It's a traditional part of winter, when you get your January thaw, then it turns cold again and breaks your heart," said National Weather Service meteorologist Art Lester.
Just last week, campaigners and candidates were bundled head to foot, walking gingerly on icy sidewalks and driving on snow-covered roads.
"We had a high of 9 above on the third and a low of 12 below and it was a breezy day, too, a cold day," said Lester.
Monday, at their final rallies, cheering supporters wore light jackets and sweaters as temperatures inched into the 40s.
The warm-up caused some alarm at a John McCain rally outside the Statehouse when a large chunk of melting snow fell from the roof and crashed down on spectators jammed on the steps to hear the Arizona Republican.
"We're OK," a woman said, as she brushed snow off her shoulders.
A few moments earlier, McCain noted a sign being held by a man standing atop a huge pile of snow. It said: "Make global warming a priority."
"I will make global warming a priority," he said, "and today is a lot easier day than a couple of days ago to make global warming a priority."
At the Weather Service, Lester said primary day highs were expected around 51 or 52 in Concord. The prediction is for it to be a little warmer in the vote-rich southern part of the state and a little cooler up north.
"The normal high for this time of year would be 31 in Concord," he said. "It's considerably above normal."
Secretary of State William Gardner has predicted a record half million voters will turn out, because of hot races, not warm temperatures.
"It's not going to hurt," he said, "but I don't think it's going to be a huge factor."
But he said the nice weather might prompt more older residents to venture out.
"People that have been cooped up in the winter, the elderly in particular, who might not have gotten out that much ... when they find a nice day, they tend to try to get out," he said.
Voting day, warm or not, will cap a campaigning frenzy that saw candidates almost bumping into each other in the last few days and dueling supporters staking out intersections to chant and wave signs at each other and to passing traffic.
"I can't believe what's out on Main Street and these corners," said Gardner.
After arguments about whether the primary would continue to be relevant with more states having early votes, Gardner was pleased.
"It makes me proud to be from this state to see this kind of activity," he said.
