Caribou, ME – A stretch of unseasonably warm and wet weather is expected to impact Caribou and much of northern Maine beginning Wednesday, with rain, gusty winds, and potential power outages before colder air returns late in the week.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, light snow and mixed precipitation are possible across the region Wednesday before tapering off overnight. Confidence is increasing in a stronger weather system arriving Thursday night and continuing through Friday.
Forecasters say temperatures will rise well above normal for mid-December, with mild conditions lingering into Friday. Rainfall totals from Thursday night through Friday are expected to range from 0.5 to 1.5 inches across Aroostook County and surrounding areas. While exact totals remain uncertain, nuisance flooding is possible, especially in poor drainage areas.
Strong and gusty winds are also expected to accompany the system. The National Weather Service warns that damaging wind gusts could lead to isolated power outages, particularly in areas with saturated ground conditions.
While significant snow is not anticipated during this period, forecasters note that colder air is expected to return Friday night. As temperatures fall, any standing water left on roads could freeze, raising the risk for slick travel and flash freezing.
The National Weather Service advises residents to prepare for potential power disruptions by securing loose outdoor items and reviewing cold-weather safety plans. Officials also recommend monitoring later forecasts as confidence remains lower on the exact timing of the return to freezing temperatures.
Temperatures are expected to trend colder heading into the weekend, signaling a return to more typical winter conditions for northern Maine after the brief warm spell.
