Portland, Maine – A potential winter storm could impact Maine this weekend, as forecasters track the chance of back-to-back winter systems along the East Coast, according to the NOAA Weather Prediction Center.
The current outlook highlights a 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Monday window, during which a developing storm system may bring moderate winter storm impacts, including snow and hazardous travel, particularly along the Interstate 95 corridor.
As of Monday evening, Maine carries a 20% probability of at least moderate winter storm impacts, the highest tier currently shown for the state in the national outlook. Officials stress that specific snowfall totals, exact track, and timing are not yet certain.
What forecasters know so far:
- Very cold temperatures will blanket the eastern half of the U.S. into next week, ensuring any precipitation falls as snow across Maine.
- A high-altitude disturbance is expected to dive out of Canada on Thursday, then strengthen as it moves east by Saturday.
- This system is forecast to generate a surface low-pressure system, which could interact with entrenched Arctic air.
- That interaction raises the risk for widespread snow, particularly across northern and interior New England.
What remains uncertain:
- The exact track of the surface low
- How quickly the storm intensifies
- Whether the heaviest snow sets up inland, along I-95, or offshore
Even a small shift in storm track could significantly change impacts for Portland, Bangor, Augusta, and surrounding communities, especially for I-95 travel from southern to central Maine.
Residents are urged to monitor forecasts closely, especially those planning weekend travel. Confidence is expected to increase later this week as higher-resolution guidance becomes available.
