Portland, Maine – New long-range federal climate guidance suggests February 2026 may bring near-normal winter precipitation across Maine, with equal chances of rain and snow rather than a dominant snowfall signal.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC), Maine now falls within an “equal chances” zone for February precipitation type. This designation indicates no strong tilt toward above- or below-normal snowfall, nor a clear preference for rain versus snow compared to long-term February averages.
Equal chances outlooks mean forecasters do not see a statistically significant signal favoring one outcome over another at this range. For Maine, that suggests February 2026 could feature a mix of snow, rain, and mixed-precipitation events, varying by storm track, elevation, and timing.
Northern and interior parts of the state may still see accumulating snow during colder systems, while coastal and southern areas could experience more frequent rain or rain-snow mix events, particularly during milder periods. The balance between Arctic air intrusions and milder Atlantic systems will likely determine day-to-day conditions.
Temperature outlooks for February indicate near-normal conditions across much of Maine. This temperature pattern supports variability, with some systems cold enough for snow and others warm enough to produce rain or mixed precipitation, especially near the coast.
Surrounding regions across New England show a mix of above-normal and neutral snowfall signals, reinforcing uncertainty in how consistently winter weather patterns will lock in across the region.
Commuters, students, and winter travelers across Maine are encouraged to monitor updated outlooks as February approaches, when shorter-range forecasts will better resolve storm tracks and precipitation type.
