KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A soggy start to the weekend is in store for southwestern New Hampshire, just as Keene State College prepares to celebrate its Class of 2025.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening for much of the state, including Cheshire County. Forecasters say a new round of heavy rain is expected to move in today, bringing cool temperatures and steady showers, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. Highs on Friday are forecast to hover near 50 degrees.

Rain will continue through Saturday morning and into the early afternoon before tapering off from south to north later in the day. Forecasters warn that rivers and streams will rise, with minor flooding possible in parts of southern and central New Hampshire. Roadways may see ponding, and some areas could receive more than two inches of rain before the system moves out. Skies are expected to clear Saturday night, with sunshine returning for Mother’s Day on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Keene State College is forging ahead with its commencement ceremony, set for 1 p.m. Saturday on the Fiske Quad—rain or shine. The outdoor event does not require tickets, and seating will be available for six to seven guests per graduate.

Despite the damp forecast, the ceremony will honor two distinguished guests: bestselling author Jodi Picoult, who will receive the 2025 Granite State Award for her contributions to literature and to New Hampshire, and Keene State alumnus David Wenhold, an accomplished political strategist and CEO of Kautter Wenhold Management Group. Wenhold, a 1990 graduate, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, the college’s highest individual honor.