Caribou, Maine — Bitter cold tightened its grip on northern Maine early Friday, setting the stage for dangerous wind chills and brisk winds along U.S. 1, U.S. 2, and I-95 from Sunday into Monday.
The National Weather Service in Caribou said temperatures plunged into the teens below zero in northern valleys Friday morning, with even colder conditions expected as winds strengthen late this weekend. Wind chills fall into the minus 20s and minus 30s by early Sunday, creating hazardous conditions for anyone traveling or working outdoors.
High pressure building in from the west combined with developing low pressure offshore drives the cold and wind pattern. Gusts increase Saturday night and peak Sunday, reaching up to 30 mph across much of northern and eastern Maine. Gusty winds persist into Monday, prolonging the cold stress.
The harshest conditions target areas along U.S. 1 from Fort Kent through Presque Isle and Caribou, as well as U.S. 2 near Houlton and stretches of I-95 from Sherman through Millinocket. Open roadways and exposed bridges experience rapid heat loss, increasing the risk of frostbite in minutes.
Communities including Fort Kent, Madawaska, Presque Isle, Caribou, Houlton, Millinocket, and Lincoln face prolonged periods of dangerous cold. Northern valleys see the lowest wind chills during the early morning hours Sunday before only modest daytime recovery.
Officials urge residents to limit time outdoors, wear layered winter clothing, and ensure vehicles carry emergency supplies. Drivers should be prepared for reduced visibility in blowing snow left from previous storms, especially in open areas.
Conditions slowly moderate later Monday as winds ease, but temperatures remain well below seasonal averages. Another cold morning is likely before gradual improvement arrives by midweek, ending this stretch of frigid, wind-driven weather across northern Maine.
