Caribou, Maine — Frigid Arctic air moving south from the polar region is expected to bring some of the coldest temperatures of the season to Maine late this week and through the weekend, creating dangerous wind chills and hazardous outdoor conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, weak weather disturbances may bring light snow Downeast Wednesday afternoon and across northern Maine on Thursday. A stronger Arctic cold front is expected to arrive Saturday, potentially producing scattered snow showers before sharply colder air settles across the state.
High temperatures Wednesday will range from the low 20s north to the upper 20s Downeast, including areas along Interstate 95, U.S. Route 1, and Route 9. Slightly milder conditions are expected Thursday and Friday, with highs reaching the mid to upper teens north and mid 20s Downeast.
Conditions will deteriorate rapidly Saturday as Arctic air deepens. Highs are forecast to range from the mid teens across northern Maine to the upper 20s Downeast early in the day, followed by falling temperatures during the afternoon. By Saturday night and Sunday, highs may struggle to rise above the single digits north and the low teens Downeast, with fierce wind chills making it feel significantly colder.
The cold will have widespread impacts for commuters, students, and outdoor workers, especially along I-95 from Bangor to Houlton and US-1 across Aroostook County, where prolonged exposure could become dangerous.
The National Weather Service advises residents to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and ensure pets and vulnerable populations are protected. Temperatures are expected to moderate gradually next week, though bitter cold will persist into early next week.
Residents are urged to monitor updates at weather.gov/car for evolving cold and wind chill forecasts.
