Bangor, Maine – Dangerous cold is expected to intensify across Maine later this week, with wind chills dropping well below zero and a period of plowable snow likely to affect travel in the Bangor area.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, very cold wind chills are expected Tuesday night, with values below -20 degrees possible across portions of northern and central Maine, including areas near Bangor. Conditions worsen heading into the weekend, when dangerous wind chills below -35 degrees are likely across northern Maine from Friday night through Sunday evening, with the coldest period late Friday night and throughout Saturday night.
The NWS warns that wind chills this low can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes, while wind chills below -20 degrees elsewhere can lead to frostbite in 30 minutes or less.
In addition to the cold, forecasters say a plowable snow of 2 to 4 inches is likely Wednesday evening into Thursday morning across Downeast Maine and the Bangor/Penobscot Region, with 1 to 3 inches possible elsewhere across eastern and central Maine.
If snow develops as expected, roadway conditions could deteriorate, particularly during overnight and early morning hours. Drivers along Interstate 95, U.S. Route 2, Route 9, and Route 15 should prepare for snow-covered and slick roads, followed by dangerously cold conditions that can refreeze untreated surfaces.
The National Weather Service urges residents to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and ensure vehicles are winter-ready. Commuters and students should plan for slower travel Wednesday night and Thursday morning, then take precautions against extreme cold heading into the weekend.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecast updates closely as timing and impacts become clearer.
