Caribou, Maine – Dangerous cold is expected to grip northern Maine late Saturday night into Sunday morning as arctic air and gusty winds combine to produce frigid wind chills across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, a mostly clear and calm night will allow temperatures to plunge well below zero, especially in the northern valleys. Overnight low temperatures are expected to fall between 15 and 20 degrees below zero, with the coldest readings occurring away from the immediate coast.
As winds increase out of the northwest, wind chill values early Sunday morning are forecast to range from 20 to 25 degrees below zero across much of northern Maine. These conditions will be most hazardous during the pre-dawn and early morning hours, particularly along travel corridors such as Interstate 95 and US Route 1, where exposed motorists and pedestrians may face rapid heat loss.
Forecasters warn that frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes under these conditions. The bitter cold may also strain vehicles, increasing the risk of dead batteries and mechanical issues for drivers traveling overnight or early Sunday.
Saturday will feature mostly cloudy skies with a chance of snow showers, mainly across western and southern portions of the region. Temperatures will turn sharply colder Saturday afternoon, setting the stage for the dangerous wind chills expected overnight.
High temperatures on Sunday are forecast to recover only modestly, ranging from the upper single digits in the north to the mid-teens Downeast, keeping cold exposure risks elevated through much of the day.
Residents are urged to dress in layers, cover all exposed skin, and limit time outdoors during the coldest periods. This cold snap may be especially impactful for early-morning workers, travelers, and anyone spending extended time outside.
