Caribou, ME – Northern Maine is bracing for another burst of snow squalls, gusty winds, and dangerous cold as an arctic front sweeps across the region Thursday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Caribou.
Forecasters say lingering light snow will end early Wednesday morning before dry, cold conditions return during the day. Highs will range from the mid-20s to lower 30s, but a stronger system moving in Thursday will bring a new round of snow showers and squalls. Some bursts may be heavy enough to cause rapidly reduced visibility and slick roads, especially in the interior and higher elevations.
The NWS warns that a flash freeze is possible behind the cold front Thursday afternoon, as temperatures drop from slightly above freezing into the single digits within just a few hours. The abrupt change could create icy patches on untreated roads and walkways.
By Thursday night, wind chills could plunge to 20°F below zero, with the coldest readings across northern and western Maine, including areas around Fort Kent, Presque Isle, and Caribou. Maps released by NWS show apparent temperatures as low as -29°F near St. Zacharie and -25°F near Presque Isle.
Residents are urged to use caution on the roads Thursday and to dress in multiple layers if venturing outdoors. Frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes under these conditions.
Winds are expected to remain strong into Friday morning before easing by the weekend, when slightly milder—but still below-normal—temperatures return.
