Caribou, Maine – An Arctic front is expected to cross Maine on Saturday, bringing gusty winds, snow showers, and dangerously cold wind chills that may drop as low as 20 degrees below zero by Saturday night and Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, very light snow showers are ongoing across northern Maine Thursday afternoon, with minimal additional accumulation expected before ending this evening. Conditions will change Saturday as the Arctic front moves through the region, triggering scattered snow showers and increasing winds.
Forecasters warn that blowing snow may develop in open areas, especially across northern and eastern Maine, reducing visibility and creating hazardous travel conditions. This is most likely along major corridors such as US-1 from Presque Isle to Caribou, I-95 near Houlton and Bangor, and Route 9 between Bangor and Calais.
Behind the front, much colder air will settle into the region. Minimum wind chill values Saturday night into Sunday morning are forecast to range from -10 to -20 degrees across much of northern Maine, with the coldest readings in the Saint John Valley and higher terrain. Additional bitter wind chills are expected to persist into Sunday night.
The National Weather Service notes that while snowfall amounts are expected to remain light, the combination of wind and cold will be the primary hazard. Gusty winds will increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for anyone exposed to the elements for extended periods.
These conditions may affect weekend travelers, overnight workers, and early-morning commuters, particularly those driving long distances across northern Maine.
Residents are advised to dress in layers, limit time outdoors, prepare vehicles for winter travel, and continue monitoring updates from the National Weather Service as the Arctic air mass settles over the region.
