Five Things You Need to Know Today, Nov. 8

1. Today's weather: The National Weather Service is calling for rain and snow, becoming all rain after 11 a.m. High near 39. North wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. On Thursday night, there will be a chance of rain and snow showers, mainly before 7 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Northwest wind 9 to 13 mph.

2. Election results: Portsmouth Patch has complete election results from all of the big races so you can see how Portsmouth voted for President, governor, Congress, the NH House and Rockingham County races.

3. City tax rate set: The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration has approved the 2012 tax rate for Fiscal Year 2013 of $17.55 per $1,000 of valuation. The approved rate is 28 cents, or 1.6 percent, above the current rate. The newly approved tax rate will be reflected in the tax bills mailed this month, with the first half due Dec. 12 and the second half due June 1, 2013.

4. NH Restaurant Week: The New Hampshire Restaurant Week will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 8 and will feature several Portsmouth area restaurants that will offer great deals for lunch and dinner.

5. Portsmouth Holiday Parade deadline: The deadline for all floats on flatbeds and towed trailers that wish to participate in the Portsmouth Holiday Parade on Dec. 1. is Nov. 14. The deadline groups that wish to walk in the parade as well as vehicles without trailers, bicycle units, bands, etc. is Nov. 19. The complete details surrounding the holiday parade deadlines and requirements be found on the city's web site.