PORTLAND, Maine — Valentine’s Day weekend is expected to bring a noticeable break from recent bitter cold across Maine, with temperatures rising closer to the freezing mark while the chance for rain or snow lingers through the middle of February.
According to the National Weather Service and the NOAA Climate Prediction Center’s 8- to 14-day outlook, Maine is favored to experience above-normal temperatures from Feb. 14 through Feb. 20. The pattern shift follows an extended stretch of Arctic air that dominated the region earlier this month.
High temperatures on Saturday, Feb. 14, are forecast to reach the low to mid-30s across much of the state. Southern and coastal areas could climb into the upper 30s, while northern sections remain slightly cooler. Overnight lows are expected to hold in the 20s, keeping conditions marginal for frozen precipitation.
Despite the warming trend, winter weather concerns are expected to persist. The precipitation outlook calls for near to above-normal moisture across the Northeast, increasing the likelihood of rain, snow or mixed precipitation events during the Valentine’s Day weekend and into the following week.
Precipitation type will vary by location and timing. Snow remains more likely across northern and higher-elevation areas, while central Maine could see a mix of rain and snow. Rain becomes more probable along the coast and in southern areas during daytime hours when temperatures are highest.
Fluctuating temperatures may lead to slick travel conditions, particularly overnight as wet roadways refreeze. Periods of snowmelt combined with rainfall could also cause ponding in low-lying or poor-drainage areas.
Residents planning travel or outdoor activities are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts, as minor temperature changes could significantly affect precipitation type and overall impacts.
