Caribou, Maine – Sunshine returns across Maine on Friday, but residents should use the dry weather to prepare for a soaking weekend system expected to bring widespread rain and pockets of localized flooding beginning Saturday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, the severe weather threat has ended following Thursday’s storms. Friday will feature mostly sunny skies with comfortable summer temperatures generally in the low to mid-70s across northern and central Maine. Bangor is expected to reach the upper 70s, while communities including Caribou, Presque Isle, Houlton, Millinocket and Greenville climb into the low to mid-70s.
Rain will spread into western Maine Saturday afternoon before becoming widespread Saturday night and continuing into Sunday morning. Forecast rainfall totals range from 0.5 to 1 inch across much of Downeast Maine, with 1 to 1.5 inches expected across portions of northern Aroostook County and areas near the Canadian border. The Weather Prediction Center places much of northern Maine under a Level 1 of 4 (Marginal) risk for excessive rainfall, meaning isolated flooding is possible in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
Drivers should watch for ponding on roads Saturday night into Sunday, especially where heavier downpours develop. Residents with outdoor plans should secure loose items, clear storm drains if needed, and remain alert for changing weather conditions.
Most of the steady rain is expected to move east by Sunday, although scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms may linger across northern Maine. The National Weather Service will continue monitoring rainfall amounts and could issue additional advisories if flooding concerns increase through the weekend.
