Caribou, Maine – Smoke hangs lightly in the sky while clouds steadily thicken across northern Maine. By this afternoon, cleaner-looking skies may give way to showers, thunderstorms and reduced visibility, making this a day to stay alert if you’re spending time outdoors or traveling.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, an Air Quality Alert remains in effect from 10 a.m. until midnight for much of northern and eastern Maine. Wildfire smoke drifting from western Ontario and Manitoba is expected to push particle pollution into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. Moderate ozone levels are also possible along portions of the Mid-Coast.
The weather becomes increasingly active as the day progresses. High temperatures will reach around 75 degrees before showers and thunderstorms develop after 5 p.m. The National Weather Service places rain chances at 80%, with locally heavier downpours possible in stronger thunderstorms. While widespread severe weather is not expected, an isolated stronger storm cannot be ruled out. Residents should remain weather aware, although the tornado threat remains very low.
Motorists traveling on U.S. Route 1, Interstate 95, Route 89 and Route 161 should prepare for changing conditions this evening. Brief heavy rain may reduce visibility, while wet pavement could slow traffic. Sensitive groups, including children, older adults and anyone with heart or lung disease, should limit prolonged outdoor activity while smoke lingers.
Sunday turns cooler with a high near 70 degrees and scattered showers or thunderstorms before skies gradually improve. Sunshine returns Monday with highs near 74 degrees, followed by warmer weather Tuesday as temperatures climb to around 80 degrees before another round of showers arrives later in the day.
Looking beyond the five-day outlook, temperatures are expected to trend above normal across much of the Northeast late next week, although periodic storm systems may continue crossing the region.
Are you seeing smoky skies or rain where you live? Share your conditions from Caribou or elsewhere across northern Maine.
Five-Day Forecast for Caribou, Maine
- Sunday: Chance of showers and thunderstorms, then gradual clearing. High 70°F, Low 52°F.
- Monday: Sunny and pleasant. High 74°F, Low 54°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, then increasing chance of showers late. High 80°F, Low 57°F.
- Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. High 74°F, Low 59°F.
- Thursday: Partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. High 78°F, Low 57°F.
