Portland, ME – The first hard frost of the season is set to hit much of Maine and New Hampshire by early Friday, October 10, signaling a sharp shift toward colder fall conditions. The National Weather Service warns that widespread freeze or frost conditions could develop Thursday night into Friday morning, with low temperatures dipping into the mid-20s to mid-30s across inland regions.
According to the National Weather Service Gray office, residents should take precautions now to protect outdoor plants, gardens, and seasonal decorations as the cold snap moves in. Sensitive vegetation and late harvest crops could be damaged if not covered.
By Thursday, skies will clear and winds will shift northwest, bringing cooler, drier air. Temperatures will stay mild during the day, hovering in the upper 50s to low 60s, before falling sharply after sunset.
Friday morning will likely mark the first true frost of the season across areas including Oxford County, York County, and southern New Hampshire, extending north toward Carroll and Grafton counties. Commuters on I-95 and Route 16 may notice fog patches and chilly air early before sunny conditions return.
Looking ahead, the weekend forecast shows abundant sunshine with highs rebounding to the mid-60s by Saturday and Sunday, making it a great stretch for pumpkin patch visits or fall foliage drives before colder air returns next week.
