Maine wakes up locked in deep winter as Arctic air bites hard across the North Woods. Snow crunches underfoot, breath hangs in the air, and thermometers in Caribou read near -7°F.
The cold dominates the morning. Wind chills dip even lower, especially in open areas and along Route 1 and Route 161. Vehicles struggle to warm, and exposed skin numbs quickly. Residents should limit time outdoors and dress in layers.
Skies stay mostly quiet through today and into Sunday morning. Sunshine helps little, with highs struggling to reach the teens today and low 20s Sunday. Roads remain dry for now, offering a brief window for travel before conditions deteriorate.
Attention shifts quickly to Sunday night and Monday. Meteorologists are tracking a significant winter storm expected to impact much of Maine. Snow develops Monday morning, then mixes with sleet by afternoon. In some areas, freezing rain becomes possible by evening.
Northern Maine, including Caribou and the Central Highlands, is likely to see mostly snow. DownEast and coastal sections may deal with more ice. Even small ice accumulations can create hazardous travel and scattered power issues.
Monday night looks especially dangerous. Snow and sleet intensify, and travel may become difficult or impossible at times. Visibility drops fast during heavier bands, and untreated roads turn slick quickly.
Behind the storm, colder air returns. Any melted snow or slush will refreeze, increasing black ice risk for Tuesday morning commuters. Crews may struggle to keep up during peak snowfall periods.
Looking toward New Year’s Eve and the start of 2026, wintry conditions remain in place. Snow showers linger at times, and cold temperatures persist across northern Maine.
Plan travel carefully. Build extra time into schedules, and prepare emergency kits if heading out during the storm.
How cold is it where you are this morning?
Five-Day Outlook: Caribou, ME
- Today: Mostly sunny, bitter cold; high near 15
- Sunday: Sunny early, clouds late; high near 23
- Monday: Snow, then snow/sleet mix; high near 25
- Tuesday: Chance of snow showers; high near 26
- Wednesday (New Year’s Eve): Mostly cloudy, cold; high near 16
