Portland, ME – Maine is preparing for a wintry pattern heading into Christmas Eve as colder-than-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation dominate the December 18–24 outlook, according to NOAA’s latest long-range guidance. The combined pattern sharply increases the probability of accumulating snow and slippery road conditions across much of the state.
According to NOAA, northern and coastal Maine sit squarely in a below-normal temperature zone, with consistently cold air in place for much of the week. When paired with the above-normal precipitation shading over the Northeast, this setup strongly favors multiple rounds of snowfall, particularly for northern and interior regions.
Southern Maine—including Portland, Lewiston, and Bangor—may experience periods where temperatures hover near the freezing mark. These marginal setups can trigger rain–snow mixes or even light freezing drizzle, especially during overnights from December 19–22. However, colder air deepens by December 22–24, shifting most precipitation to snow leading into Christmas Eve.
Northern Maine, from Caribou through Fort Kent, aligns most directly with the strongest cold anomalies. These areas could see persistent, near-daily snow chances, with moderate accumulations possible as storm systems track along the jet stream.
Holiday travel may become difficult on portions of I-95, U.S. 1, and rural corridors, with reduced visibility and slick roadways likely. Travelers should monitor updated forecasts and expect delays between December 21 and Christmas Eve, when impacts appear strongest.
