Portland, Maine – Drivers across Maine and New Hampshire have a narrow window before sunrise to adjust plans as temperatures dip below 32 degrees, freezing leftover moisture on roads and bridges just in time for the Thursday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, subfreezing air combined with lingering moisture from Wednesday night’s precipitation and patchy freezing fog will create slick spots on untreated surfaces through at least 9 a.m. Thursday. Interior counties from Oxford and Franklin to Kennebec and Waldo face the highest risk, but coastal communities including Portland, Biddeford, and Portsmouth could also see icy patches.
Bridges and overpasses along I-95, I-295, Route 1, and I-93 in New Hampshire tend to freeze first. In the mountains of northern Coos and Grafton counties, patchy freezing fog may reduce visibility to around 500 feet in spots, especially near Berlin, North Conway, and Lancaster.
Road crews continue spot treatments, but untreated side streets, parking lots, and sidewalks remain vulnerable. Drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra time to reach work or school. Pedestrians should watch for glaze ice on walkways.
Temperatures will climb above freezing by late morning, easing the immediate threat, but additional advisories could follow if fog redevelops overnight.
