Rangeley, Maine – A dangerous blast of Arctic air is gripping much of Maine and neighboring Vermont overnight, sending temperatures plunging well below zero and creating life-threatening wind chills through Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Gray and Caribou, Cold Weather Advisories are in effect across large portions of western, central, and northern Maine, along with northern New Hampshire and areas near the Vermont border. Overnight temperatures are expected to fall between 10 and 20 degrees below zero, with wind chills ranging from 20 to as cold as 33 below in the most exposed areas.
The coldest conditions are focused across the Maine mountains, the Moosehead region, and Aroostook County, including Rangeley, Jackman, Greenville, Fort Kent, Caribou, and Presque Isle. Similar conditions extend into northern New Hampshire and parts of northeastern Vermont, where wind chills near 25 below are possible before sunrise. Light winds will still be enough to drive dangerous exposure risks.
Emergency officials warn that frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 to 20 minutes under these conditions. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, wear layered clothing, hats, and gloves, and ensure pets are brought inside. Those using space heaters should follow fire safety guidelines and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Temperatures slowly recover later Monday morning, but officials caution that additional cold nights remain possible this week. Advisories expire by mid-morning, though lingering cold will continue to pose risks across northern New England.
