Portland, ME – A surge of unseasonable warmth could sweep across Maine within days, rapidly melting snowpack and increasing runoff into rivers and streams well before St. Patrick’s Day arrives.
According to NOAA’s 8-14 day outlook issued February 26 and valid March 6-12, there is an 80-90% probability of above normal temperatures stretching across nearly the entire East Coast, including all of New England. Maine sits firmly inside that high-confidence zone, signaling highs that could run significantly above early March averages from the coast to northern Aroostook County.
In Portland, where early March highs typically sit in the mid-30s to near 40 degrees, afternoon readings could climb well beyond seasonal norms. Bangor, Augusta and Lewiston are also expected to see milder afternoons and warmer overnight lows, limiting hard freezes but accelerating the thaw of existing snowpack.
The precipitation outlook reinforces a wetter-than-average stretch. NOAA favors above normal rainfall across the Northeast during the March 6-12 window. While the strongest precipitation signals center on the Great Lakes, Maine remains in a pattern supportive of repeated rain events.
The combination of elevated temperatures and steady rainfall could lead to rising water levels along the Kennebec, Androscoggin and Penobscot rivers. Minor flooding in low-lying areas and ponding on secondary roads are possible during heavier downpours. Residents should clear storm drains, monitor river forecasts and avoid driving through water-covered roadways.
This warm, unsettled pattern is expected to persist through March 12, with updated outlooks likely as confidence increases heading deeper into early March.
