Maine Weather Tonight: 30-35 MPH Gusts, Up to 1 Inch of Rain

Caribou, ME – A soaking rain and gusty winds will sweep across northern and eastern Maine tonight, with up to an inch of rain possible in some communities and wind gusts potentially reaching 40 mph.

According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, cloud cover is increasing Wednesday afternoon ahead of rain expected to move into the region late tonight. Most of the rain should end by Thursday morning.

Forecasters expect widespread rainfall totals of around 0.5 inches, while portions of Downeast Maine could receive close to 1 inch. The Weather Service said the majority of the rainfall is expected tonight across eastern Maine.

Communities including Caribou, Presque Isle, Houlton, Millinocket, Bangor, Ellsworth and Bar Harbor are within the broader area expecting rain.

The system will also bring stronger winds. Gusts of 30 to 35 mph are likely, while isolated gusts could approach 40 mph. The Weather Service said those winds could cause localized tree damage or power outages.

Windy conditions are expected to persist from Wednesday night through Friday, meaning residents could continue dealing with gusty conditions even after the steadier rain moves out.

The rainfall could provide some relief from dry conditions in the region. However, motorists traveling Wednesday night and during the Thursday morning commute should be prepared for wet roads, reduced visibility during heavier rainfall and potentially gusty crosswinds.

Conditions are forecast to improve heading into the weekend. Friday and Saturday should be clear as temperatures begin rebounding through the weekend, according to forecasters.

Residents should monitor updated forecasts, particularly if traveling overnight or early Thursday.