Five Things You Need to Know Today, Dec. 20

1. Today's weather: The National Weather Service is calling for a mostly sunny day, with a high near 41. On Thursday night, there will be a 40 percent chance of rain, mainly after 2 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 35.

2. Planning Board meeting: The Portsmouth Planning Board will be meeting at City Hall on Thursday night at 7 p.m. The agenda can be viewed on the city's web site.  

3. Free holiday parking: The city continues to offer free downtown parking from now until Jan. 2 for the holiday season, which means city residents and visitors who want to do some shopping, go out to eat or take in a show can park at metered spaces for their allotted time period. Drivers will be fined if they leave their vehicles in metered spaces longer than the allowed time period. 

4. Send your prayers to Newtown, Conn.: If you would like to , Conn., following Friday's shooting tragedy, use this Patch feature.

5. All City Holiday Concert: The Portsmouth High Band, PHS Choir, PMS Choir and choirs from the city's three elementary schools will perform the All City Holiday Concert at the Portsmouth High School Auditorium on Thursday at 7 p.m.