Caribou, ME – A prolonged period of frigid Arctic cold has settled across Maine, bringing temperatures 15 to 20 degrees below normal and dangerous wind chills expected to persist through Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Caribou.
Forecasters say an Arctic air mass originating near the Northwest Passage of Canada moved into the region overnight, resulting in extremely cold conditions statewide. High temperatures Friday are expected to remain in the single digits across northern Maine, with highs only reaching 10 to 15 degrees from the Bangor region to Downeast Maine.
West winds of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, will combine with the cold air to produce hazardous wind chills. Minimum wind chill values are forecast to drop into the -20s to near -30 degrees, particularly across northern and interior sections of the state, including areas such as Caribou, Presque Isle, and Frenchville.
The National Weather Service warns that these gusty winds may also cause patchy blowing and drifting snow, especially along north-to-south oriented roads in northern Maine. Visibility may be briefly reduced in exposed areas, even where new snowfall is limited.
Very cold conditions are expected to continue through the weekend and into Monday, with nighttime lows dropping well below zero in many locations. Some improvement is expected beginning Tuesday as temperatures slowly moderate, though conditions will remain seasonably cold.
Officials urge residents to prioritize cold weather safety during this extended cold snap. Extra caution is advised when using supplemental heat sources, including space heaters, and residents are reminded to keep flammable materials at least three feet away from heat sources. Pets should be kept warm, dry, and indoors whenever possible.
Extended exposure to extreme cold can be dangerous, particularly for outdoor workers, students, and commuters during early morning hours.
