Aroostook County braces for coldest night of the season

4 weeks ago

The National Weather Service in Caribou issued an urgent weather advisory Tuesday afternoon for Aroostook and parts of Piscataquis, Penobscot and Somerset counties. 

Temperatures could fall to 25 below or colder in some places, the advisory said. 

It’s the first subzero cold snap of the season for Aroostook County, but it’s part of a nationwide picture. An arctic air mass is causing bitter cold in the southern and eastern U.S., with temperatures 25 to 30 degrees below average in some areas, according to the National Weather Service. 

Tuesday is expected to be the coldest night of the year so far. Local forecasters predict temperatures of minus 17 in Madawaska, minus 18 in Fort Kent, minus 14 in Caribou, minus 17 in Presque Isle and minus 15 in Houlton.

To avoid risks of frostbite or hypothermia, people should stay indoors as much as possible and keep pets inside, meteorologists advised.

For people experiencing homelessness or who otherwise need a place to get out of the cold, Homeless Services of Aroostook’s new warming center at 160 Airport Dr. in Presque Isle is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The space accommodates 15 people and offers food and cots. 

Fort Fairfield doesn’t have a dedicated warming center, but encourages those in need to contact the Fort Fairfield Fire Department, where personnel can direct them to a space.

“If people need a warm place to go, we instruct folks to contact or go to the fire department,” Town Manager Tim Goff said. “Please call ahead first in case they’re out on a call.”

The Madawaska Police Department will also direct people to the nearest warming space, town office staff said.

In Caribou, anyone can come to the Wellness and Recreation Center at 55 Bennett Dr. during normal hours of operation, which are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m., City Manager Penny Thompson said.

Officials in Houlton and Fort Kent were not available for comment.

Monday night temperatures reached minus 11 in Frenchville, minus 10 in Caribou, minus 12 in Presque Isle and minus 14 in Houlton, according to weather service data.

Temperatures are expected to rise during the week, reaching a daytime high of 19 on Friday and a nighttime low of minus 2, forecasters said.