Maine – Wind-whipped snow skims across open fields this morning, erasing tire tracks almost as fast as they form. The air stings exposed skin within seconds. Northern Maine is locked in a dangerous winter pattern as the first weekend of 2026 unfolds.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, light snow and patchy blowing snow continue today, driven by west winds gusting between 25 and 35 mph. Visibility may drop suddenly in open areas of Aroostook and northern Penobscot counties. Wind chills plunge as low as −25 degrees, with even colder readings possible late Saturday night into early Sunday.
Road impacts are a growing concern. U.S. Route 1, Routes 11 and 161, and stretches of Routes 10, 89, and 164 could see drifting snow repeatedly cover lanes. Even where snowfall totals stay light, blowing and drifting will make travel difficult. Drivers should expect rapidly changing conditions, especially in agricultural corridors.
Temperatures struggle to rise above the single digits today, then fall sharply tonight. Saturday remains brutally cold, with highs near 3 degrees and wind chills staying well below zero all day. Any snow that briefly melts will refreeze quickly, increasing black ice risk after dark.
Sunday stays sunny but bitter, offering little relief. Wind chills again dip toward −25 degrees, and another advisory may be needed into early Monday as wind chills approach −30 degrees. Frostbite can occur in minutes under these conditions.
Limit time outdoors, cover all exposed skin, and carry winter survival gear if traveling. Conditions may look manageable one moment, then turn dangerous fast.
How extreme did the cold feel where you are today?
Five Day Outlook for Caribou, ME
Today: Light snow, blowing snow, high near 5°F
Saturday: Mostly sunny and cold, high near 3°F
Sunday: Sunny, extreme cold, high near 4°F
Monday: Sunny and cold, high near 4°F
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 16°F
