Maine – Light flakes drift across gray skies while wind cuts through layers, stinging faces and freezing wet pavement fast. Across northern and central Maine, winter conditions are intensifying, setting the stage for dangerous cold, snow squalls, and slick travel that worsens into the weekend and lingers into early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, an Extreme Cold Watch is in effect from late Friday night through Saturday morning. Wind chills may plunge as low as 40 degrees below zero in parts of Aroostook, Piscataquis, and Penobscot counties. At those levels, frostbite can develop on exposed skin in minutes.
Snow plays a role before the cold peaks. Light snow early today brings one to three inches, especially near eastern areas close to New Brunswick. Roads may turn slushy, then icy, as temperatures struggle to rise. Snow showers and brief snow squalls are also possible Friday, mainly from midday into the afternoon. These squalls can drop visibility quickly and coat roads in seconds.
In Caribou, East Millinocket, Presque Isle, and surrounding towns, daytime highs dip into the teens and single digits, with nighttime lows falling well below zero. Gusty winds add bite and increase the risk of flash freezing after any daytime melting. Drivers should expect slick stretches on Route 1 and secondary roads, especially after sunset.
The cold settles in for several days. Wind chills stay below zero through the weekend, with little relief expected before early next week. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and ensure pets and livestock have warm shelter and unfrozen water. Additional advisories may be issued as conditions evolve.
Five-Day Outlook for Caribou, Maine
• Today: Snow likely early, high near 30
• Tonight: Partly cloudy, low near 9
• Friday: Slight chance of snow, high near 17
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, bitter cold, high near -1
• Sunday: Mostly sunny, cold, high near 2
