Caribou, ME — Strong gusty winds are impacting the Caribou area early Saturday, with additional winter hazards expected later tonight as snow returns to northern Maine.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, westerly wind gusts of 35 to 45 miles per hour are expected this morning, particularly across open areas and higher elevations. Winds are forecast to gradually diminish through the day, becoming much lighter by this afternoon under mostly sunny skies.
Snow showers early this morning may briefly reduce visibility, but conditions are expected to improve as the day goes on. High temperatures today will range from the low to mid-20s across northern Maine, including Caribou, to the upper 30s Downeast.
Forecasters warn that residual water from melting snow or recent rain will freeze, creating icy patches on walkways, driveways, and untreated roads. These icy areas may become especially hazardous tonight if they are covered by new snowfall, making them difficult to see.
A fast-moving occluded front is expected to move through late tonight, bringing a couple inches of snow across northern Maine. Forecast snowfall totals show 2 to 4 inches possible across the far north, including areas near Caribou, with lighter amounts farther south.
Looking ahead to Sunday, conditions will turn breezy but milder, with highs ranging from the low to mid-30s in northern Maine to near 40 degrees along the coast. Northern areas will be mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers, while coastal areas trend mostly sunny.
Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items, use caution when walking or driving on icy surfaces, and monitor changing conditions overnight. The National Weather Service recommends treating icy walkways with sand or salt where possible.
