Five Things You Need to Know Today, Dec. 11

1. Today's weather: The National Weather Service is calling for a mostly cloudy day, then gradually becoming sunny, with a temperature falling to around 36 by 5 p.m. On Tuesday night, it will be mostly clear, with a low around 25. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph.

2. Piscataqua River dye test: The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and other agencies will perform a dye test in the Piscataqua River near Peirce Island on Tuesday to determine if the waters are suitable for future shell harvesting. 

3. Temple Israel to celebrate Hanukkah: Today is the four day of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, which lasts for eight days. The Temple Israel on State Street is celebrating Hanukkah until Saturday, Dec. 15.

4. Enter Patch Deck the House contest: Portsmouth Patch is accepting submissions of photos and video from Portsmouth residents who believe they have the best holiday lights for the Patch Deck the House contest. The winner of the nationwide competition will receive $100,000 for their local school district and have their electricity bill paid for one month.

5. School Board meeting: The Portsmouth School Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday at City Hall at 7 p.m. The agenda can be viewed on the city's web site.