Weather
Maine Weather Alert: Nor'easter Brings Gale Threat Tuesday Night Oct 20
Bar Harbor, ME – A developing nor'easter could bring gusty winds and rough ocean conditions near Maine's Downeast Coast beginning Tuesday, Oct. 20, with the potential for gale force conditions over of
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-10-19T10:21:11.237Z
Bar Harbor, ME – A developing nor'easter could bring gusty winds and rough ocean conditions near Maine's Downeast Coast beginning Tuesday, Oct. 20, with the potential for gale force conditions over offshore waters Tuesday night into Wednesday, Oct. 21.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, a nor'easter tracking well south of Maine is expected to increase winds and wave heights across coastal and outer waters Tuesday and Wednesday. The agency's Monday morning forecast indicates that the storm could also affect portions of the Downeast Coast.
Forecast maps show maximum wind gusts generally reaching 25 to 30 mph across portions of the coastal waters near Mount Desert Island and offshore areas, including waters south of Bar Harbor in Hancock County.
Tuesday night, Oct. 20, is a particular concern for marine conditions , with forecasters warning that gale force winds are possible over the outer waters.
Wave heights could build to approximately 5 to 7 feet in some offshore locations, creating potentially hazardous conditions for smaller vessels and marine activities.
The storm is expected to remain well south of Maine as it moves from waters off the Mid Atlantic Coast Wednesday toward areas south of Nova Scotia by Friday.
Despite the offshore storm threat, inland communities across northern and eastern Maine are expected to experience a relatively quiet weather pattern.
Monday afternoon temperatures are forecast to reach approximately 54 degrees in Bar Harbor, 55 degrees in Machias and 54 degrees in Eastport. Farther inland, Bangor could reach 58 degrees, while Caribou climbs to around 60 degrees.
The National Weather Service expects generally dry conditions through Friday as high pressure systems and weak cold fronts move across the region.
Forecasters emphasize that the nor'easter's exact track and strength remain uncertain, meaning coastal wind and wave forecasts could change.
Boaters, fishing crews and coastal residents should monitor updated marine forecasts before heading onto the water Tuesday or Wednesday.