Caribou, Maine – Residents across northern Maine should prepare for a rapidly changing stretch of winter weather, beginning with light snow tonight, transitioning to rain midweek, and ending with a sharp blast of Arctic cold that could create icy conditions by Thursday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, a warm front lifting north will bring light snow to northern Maine tonight, with around one inch of accumulation expected from Caribou to Fort Kent and surrounding areas. Roads may become slick overnight, especially on untreated surfaces and secondary roads.
Wednesday will turn unseasonably mild for mid-January. Highs are expected to climb into the upper 30s across the north, with low 40s possible Downeast under mostly cloudy skies. That mild air sets the stage for the next system arriving Wednesday night.
Forecasters say low pressure tracking north along an approaching cold front will bring additional snow to northern Maine Wednesday night, with a couple of inches possible. Farther east and Downeast, snow is expected to change to rain early Thursday as temperatures rise above freezing.
An Arctic front will then sweep through late Thursday night, causing temperatures to drop rapidly. Any lingering moisture on roads, driveways, and sidewalks could freeze quickly, creating a renewed risk for icy travel. High temperatures Thursday are expected to range from the mid-30s north to the low 40s Downeast before falling sharply overnight.
The National Weather Service cautions that fresh snow may hide lingering ice, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Drivers should use caution during the Thursday morning commute and again Thursday night as temperatures plunge.
By Friday, much colder air will settle in. Highs are expected to stay in the low teens across northern Maine, with near 30 degrees along the coast under mostly sunny skies. Overnight lows Thursday night could fall near zero in the north.
Additional updates are expected as the Arctic front approaches, and residents are urged to monitor forecasts closely for changes in snow totals and ice potential.
