Air Quality
New Hampshire generally enjoys good air quality, with an average Air Quality Index in the "good" range most days of the year.
Monitored days with good air quality
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County, all monitored New Hampshire counties.
Monitored days unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County (AQI above 100).
| Indicator | New Hampshire | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Average AQI | 35 | 42 |
- •New Hampshire is one of the most forested states in the country, covering about 80% of its land area.
Wildfires
New Hampshire records around 200 wildfires per year, mostly small brush fires, burning fewer than 200 acres annually on average.
| Indicator | New Hampshire | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Acres burned per year (thousands) | 0.2 | 2600 |
- •The White Mountain National Forest maintains active fire monitoring despite New Hampshire's low wildfire risk.
Drought
About 8% of New Hampshire was experiencing moderate drought conditions as of late 2024, a below-average share for the U.S.
Area in drought (D1–D4), yearly average
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
Area in extreme or exceptional drought (D3–D4)
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
| Indicator | New Hampshire | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Land area in drought (%) | 8 | 24 |
- •New Hampshire's 2022 drought was one of its most severe in over a decade, affecting private wells statewide.
Water Usage
New Hampshire withdraws about 400 million gallons of water per day, primarily for public supply and thermoelectric cooling.
| Indicator | New Hampshire | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Water withdrawals (million gallons/day) | 400 | 322000 |
- •New Hampshire has over 1,000 lakes and ponds, supporting both water supply and tourism.
Emissions
New Hampshire's energy-related CO2 emissions total about 14 million metric tons annually, among the lowest in the nation.
Energy-related CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, all sectors and fuels (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTTTONHA).
Transportation CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, transportation sector (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTCTONHA).
| Indicator | New Hampshire | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 emissions per capita (metric tons) | 10 | 14.5 |
- •New Hampshire's per-capita carbon emissions are below the New England average.
Climate Indicators
New Hampshire's average annual temperature has risen about 3°F since 1900, faster than the national average.
Average annual temperature
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December average.
Annual precipitation
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December total.
| Indicator | New Hampshire | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature increase since 1900 (°F) | 3 | 2.5 |
- •New Hampshire's maple sugaring season now starts about a week earlier than it did 50 years ago due to warming winters.