Caribou, Maine – Snow is expected to develop across northern Maine late tonight and continue into Christmas morning, bringing light accumulations, gusty winds, and dangerously cold wind chills, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Caribou said 2 to 3 inches of fluffy snow are expected across much of the region, including Caribou, Presque Isle, Fort Kent, and surrounding parts of Aroostook County. While snowfall amounts will be modest, increasing winds on Christmas Day may lead to blowing and drifting snow, particularly in open and rural areas.
According to the National Weather Service, winds are expected to increase through Christmas morning and afternoon, causing reduced visibility at times despite lighter snowfall. Road conditions may become slick, especially during the early morning holiday travel period.
Behind the snow, very cold air will settle into the region. Wind chills are forecast to fall as low as 20 degrees below zero late Christmas night into Friday morning, creating hazardous conditions for anyone spending extended time outdoors. Officials urge residents to dress in layers and limit exposure to the cold.
Cold and dry weather is expected to persist Friday through the weekend, but forecasters are already monitoring another potential winter system. A winter storm may impact the area late Sunday night into Monday, with the greatest chance for moderate to locally heavy snow across northern Maine. Mixed precipitation or rain may be possible farther south.
The National Weather Service emphasized that forecast details for the late-weekend system are still developing and encouraged residents to monitor future updates.
Travelers and holiday plans should account for changing road conditions tonight and Christmas morning, as well as the risk of extreme cold following the snowfall.
