Caribou, Maine – Farmers and gardeners across northern Maine face their first hard freeze of the season early Saturday as temperatures plunge well below freezing. Overnight lows could fall to 27 degrees in parts of Aroostook, Somerset, and Piscataquis counties, threatening to end the region’s growing season.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, a Freeze Warning is in effect from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday for towns including Fort Kent, Frenchville, Allagash, and Baxter State Park. Conditions Saturday night are expected to be just as cold, if not colder, making it a two-night stretch of damaging frost.
The cold snap could kill unprotected crops and sensitive vegetation across northern farms. Residents are urged to cover plants, bring potted flowers indoors, and wrap or drain outdoor plumbing to avoid damage. Local growers in the St. John Valley may see the most significant losses if protective steps are not taken.
Roads are not expected to be impacted, but outdoor activities in Baxter State Park and along the Allagash will be uncomfortably cold for campers and hikers.
The Freeze Warning remains in effect through Saturday morning, with additional advisories possible into Sunday if conditions persist.
