Caribou, Maine – A surge of arctic air is poised to bring dangerous cold to Maine late this week, setting up a prolonged stretch of sub-zero temperatures and life-threatening wind chills that could impact travel, heating systems, and daily life across the state.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center, the cold will intensify Friday night as bitter air spreads eastward, with the harshest conditions expected through the weekend and lingering into early next week. Wind chills could fall to minus 35 to minus 40 degrees across northern and interior Maine, including Aroostook County, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
Daytime temperatures are expected to remain well below normal statewide. Highs may struggle to reach zero across northern Maine, while Bangor could see highs in the single digits with wind chills dropping below minus 25. Even coastal areas, including Portland, will feel the bite, with gusty winds driving wind chills into the teens below zero.
Maine DOT officials urge drivers to limit unnecessary travel, carry winter survival kits, and ensure vehicles are prepared for extreme cold. Residents are advised to protect exposed pipes, use space heaters safely, and check on elderly neighbors and those without reliable heat. Frostbite can develop in minutes under these conditions.
The extreme cold is expected to persist into early next week, with additional cold weather advisories or warnings likely. Officials urge residents to monitor local alerts as dangerous conditions continue across Maine.
