Portland, ME – The first significant cold snap of the season is set to sweep through Maine early next week, bringing the sharpest temperature drop of the fall so far. According to the NOAA Weather Prediction Center, Arctic air will surge into New England Monday night, November 10, plunging minimum temperatures into the teens and 20s by early Tuesday morning.
Forecasters say this cold blast marks the leading edge of a powerful high-pressure system settling over the eastern two-thirds of the country. A widespread hard freeze is expected statewide, signaling the end of the growing season and prompting frost and freeze warnings from the National Weather Service.
The coldest conditions are forecast across northern and western Maine, where early morning lows could fall into the lower teens, and wind chills may dip near or below zero in higher elevations. Along the coast, temperatures are projected to hover in the upper 20s, with frost developing even near the shore.
Tuesday will remain unseasonably cold, with highs only reaching the 30s to near 40 despite full sun and brisk northwest winds gusting 20–30 mph. The chill is expected to linger through midweek before a gradual warm-up late in the week.
Residents are urged to protect outdoor plumbing, bring pets indoors, and cover or harvest any remaining plants. Travelers should be alert for slick spots on bridges and shaded rural roads early Tuesday morning.
