Weather
Northern Maine Weather Alert: Rain, Snow, 34 MPH Gusts Oct 16-17
Caribou, ME – Rain mixing with snow, gusty winds and temperatures falling into the 20s are expected to bring an early taste of winter to northern Maine this weekend. A developing weather system will i
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-10-15T07:54:38.887Z
Caribou, ME – Rain mixing with snow, gusty winds and temperatures falling into the 20s are expected to bring an early taste of winter to northern Maine this weekend. A developing weather system will increase precipitation chances Friday, Oct. 16, before colder and breezier conditions arrive Saturday. The National Weather Service forecasts a 100% chance of precipitation Friday, followed by northwest wind gusts reaching 34 mph Saturday and overnight temperatures dropping to approximately 27 degrees across the Caribou area of Aroostook County.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, Friday's precipitation could begin as a combination of rain and snow before 11 a.m., transitioning to rain as temperatures rise toward 46 degrees. Little or no snow accumulation is expected at the forecast location. However, the combination of wet weather, shifting winds and colder temperatures could create changing conditions for motorists and residents planning outdoor activities.
Friday Brings Rain and the Possibility of Snow Friday, Oct. 16, is expected to bring the most widespread precipitation of the forecast period. The National Weather Service places the probability at 100%, with rain and snow possible during the morning before precipitation changes to rain later in the day. Southeast winds of 9 to 14 mph could gust as high as 26 mph, adding to the unsettled conditions.
Although snow is included in the forecast, significant accumulation is not anticipated in Caribou. The expected afternoon high of 46 degrees should support primarily rain during the warmer part of the day. Snow amounts and precipitation types may differ at higher elevations or other locations, but the supplied point forecast does not establish widespread accumulating snowfall across Aroostook County.
Rain continues Friday evening, mainly before 1 a.m. Saturday, with an 80% precipitation probability. Temperatures are expected to fall to approximately 34 degrees as southeast winds shift west after midnight. Gusts could reach 33 mph, while additional rainfall amounts between one tenth and one quarter inch are possible.
Saturday Brings Gusty Winds and Colder Conditions Saturday, Oct. 17, brings another chance of mixed precipitation before improving weather develops. A slight chance of snow mixing with rain is expected after 11 a.m., gradually ending as partly sunny skies return. The precipitation probability decreases to 20%, while afternoon temperatures reach only 38 degrees.
Northwest winds of 18 to 21 mph could produce gusts as high as 34 mph, making Saturday feel colder during outdoor activities. Those conditions may be particularly noticeable in open areas and along exposed roadways.
Motorists traveling U.S. Route 1, Route 161 and other roads serving Caribou and nearby Aroostook County communities should prepare for wet pavement, occasional reduced visibility and gusty conditions. Although snow is possible, the forecast does not establish significant accumulation, widespread icing or specific road closures.
The coldest temperatures arrive Saturday night, when mostly clear skies accompany a low near 27 degrees. Sunday night is expected to be similarly cold, with temperatures falling to approximately 26 degrees. Residents should consider protecting sensitive outdoor plants and preparing for freezing overnight conditions.
Sunday Sunshine Brings Limited Relief From the Cold Sunday, Oct. 18, is expected to bring sunshine and an afternoon high near 44 degrees, providing improving weather after Friday's precipitation and Saturday's gusty conditions. However, the warmer daytime temperatures will not eliminate the overnight chill, with another low in the middle 20s expected Sunday night.
By Monday, temperatures recover to approximately 56 degrees under mostly sunny skies. Tuesday brings another mild afternoon near 58 degrees before Wednesday's high settles around 52 degrees.
For northern Maine residents, Friday's rain snow combination and Saturday's gusty winds represent the most immediate weather concerns, followed by freezing nighttime temperatures.
Are you preparing for the return of wintry weather across Aroostook County this weekend?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Mostly sunny skies bring an afternoon high near 49 degrees, with northwest winds of 15 to 17 mph and gusts reaching 30 mph. Increasing clouds arrive Thursday night as temperatures fall to approximately 29 degrees.
Friday 10/16: Rain and snow are possible before 11 a.m., followed by rain and a 100% precipitation chance, with a high near 46 degrees. Friday night brings an 80% rain chance, gusts up to 33 mph and a low near 34 degrees.
Saturday 10/17: A 20% chance of snow mixing with rain is expected after 11 a.m. before conditions improve, with a high near 38 degrees. Northwest winds could gust to 34 mph before temperatures fall to approximately 27 degrees Saturday night.
Sunday 10/18: Sunny skies return with an afternoon high near 44 degrees, offering improving conditions after Friday's rain and Saturday's gusty weather. Sunday night becomes partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to approximately 26 degrees across the Caribou forecast area.
Monday 10/19: Mostly sunny skies bring a noticeable warming trend, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 56 degrees. Monday night becomes partly cloudy, with temperatures falling to around 32 degrees as conditions remain generally dry.
Extended Weather Outlook Tuesday, Oct. 20, is expected to bring mostly sunny skies and an afternoon high near 58 degrees, followed by partly cloudy conditions and an overnight low around 28 degrees.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, should remain sunny with temperatures reaching approximately 52 degrees.
The available forecast suggests a temporary warming trend after the weekend's colder conditions, although freezing nighttime temperatures remain possible into the middle of next week.
No additional significant snowfall or winter storm system is specifically identified through Wednesday. Reliable forecast details beyond Oct. 21 were not supplied