Caribou, Maine – Drivers across northern Maine have less than 48 hours to prepare for a sharp weather shift that could send wind gusts up to 40 mph across US-1, Route 11 and I-95 by Saturday afternoon. Mild air will briefly push temperatures near 40 degrees Saturday before a strong cold front flips conditions fast.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, gusty south winds will develop Saturday ahead of the front, with widespread gusts between 25 and 35 mph and isolated higher gusts possible in exposed areas. Those winds may create blowing snow in open stretches along US-2 west of Houlton and crosswinds on the I-95 corridor from Bangor north to the Canadian border.
Scattered rain and snow showers are expected late Saturday, followed by the potential for an isolated snow squall Saturday evening as the front pushes through. Any squall could briefly reduce visibility below a half mile and coat roadways such as Route 161 and Route 89 in a quick burst of snow, creating sudden slick spots.
Behind the front, Arctic air will surge in Saturday night. Temperatures will tumble into the single digits north, with wind chills dropping below zero by early Sunday and remaining frigid into early next week. Northern Aroostook County could see wind chills between 10 and 20 below zero Monday morning.
Secure loose outdoor items before Saturday’s winds increase, and keep winter gear in vehicles in case travel slows. Officials may issue additional statements if snow squalls become more organized. Bitter cold will grip the region through at least Monday morning.
