Caribou, Maine – Frigid water temperatures across northern Maine could turn a summer outing deadly this week, as boaters and paddlers in Aroostook County face hypothermia risks through at least Tuesday. Despite daytime highs pushing into the mid-70s, lakes and rivers remain dangerously cold — many in the low 50s — and pose a serious threat to anyone not properly equipped.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, water temperatures below 60°F can impair muscle control within minutes. The Maine Warden Service urges all small boat users, kayakers, and swimmers to avoid risky recreation and wear life jackets. “When the water is this cold, it can be fatal fast,” the advisory warned.
Cities under the cold water safety alert include Fort Kent, Presque Isle, Caribou, and Madawaska. Outdoor recreation on rivers like the St. John and Aroostook should be approached with extreme caution. Sunny skies may give a false sense of summer warmth, but water remains well below safe swimming temperatures.
Tuesday’s Forecast (May 27): Caribou will see sunny skies and a high near 76°F. Winds will be light at 5 to 7 mph, offering a calm but misleadingly warm day.
Five-Day Outlook:
- Wednesday: Sunny, high of 77°F, with gusts up to 20 mph.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 77°F.
- Friday: Showers likely, high near 68°F.
- Saturday: Rain continues, high near 60°F.
- Sunday: Cloudy, chance of rain, high around 64°F.
