Wednesday, March 4-Friday, March 6
Northern Maine will be between systems today with mostly-to-partly sunny skies across the Valley. Highs in the upper 30s/low 40s with west wind 5-15 mph gusting 20-25 mph at times.
Light snow is likely across the region tonight as a strong cold front moves through. Most areas north of the Katahdin region can expect around an inch of snow or less by Thursday morning, but even light amounts may create slick spots on untreated roads—especially in the Saint John Valley. Behind the front, snow ends Thursday morning and much colder air will quickly settle in. Temperatures will drop to around 5 above zero overnight across the SJV.
Thursday will feel noticeably colder with highs in the low-to-mid-10s across the area with north winds 5-10 mph producing wind chill values in the -5 to -10 degree range. Thursday night, expect partly cloudy skies with overnight lows falling into the 0 to -5 degree range with near calm wind, so wind chills will not be much of a factor.
Friday, mostly cloudy skies expected across the area. Highs in the upper 20s with southeast wind 4-5 mph. A developing storm system will move in from the west Friday night and continue through the weekend. As it approaches, a warm front will lift north across the area late Friday night into Saturday, followed by a cold front Saturday night.
With colder air in place from earlier in the week, the initial surge of warmer air aloft could lead to a period of mixed precipitation late Friday night into early Saturday morning. This may include sleet or freezing rain before temperatures rise. Any wintry mix could create slick travel conditions by early Saturday. Lows Friday night in the mid-20s rising into the upper 20s by early Saturday with light south wind across the Valley.
Saturday, March 7-Tuesday, March 10
Daylight Saving Time Reminder
Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour before heading to bed Saturday night since we “spring forward” early Sunday morning. It’s also a great time to check smoke detector batteries and make sure your clocks, appliances, and vehicle displays are updated.
Warmer air will surge into the region Saturday as southerly winds increase, pushing temperatures well into the 40s. Any early mixed precipitation will quickly change to steady rain, which is expected to continue through much of the day. A cold front will cross the area Saturday night into Sunday, bringing slightly cooler air, but conditions will remain mild for late winter. Most storm systems should track north or south of the area, allowing warmer air to remain in place, promoting continued snowmelt.
Saturday will start with a chance of freezing rain in the morning before changing to plain rain as temperatures climb into the upper 40s. Rain is likely through much of the day. Saturday night will turn drier, with mostly cloudy skies early giving way to partial clearing overnight. Lows will fall into the mid-20s. Sunday looks mostly sunny and seasonable, with afternoon highs around 40 and partly cloudy skies Sunday night as lows dip into the upper 20s.
Mild conditions continue into early next week. Monday and Tuesday will feature mostly sunny skies with highs in the mid-40s Monday and upper 40s Tuesday. Monday night will become mostly cloudy with lows in the upper 20s. By Tuesday night, clouds increase with a chance of rain that could mix with or change to snow overnight
Daily Forecast Outlook
Today: Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s. West winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
Tonight: Light snow likely. Snow accumulation around an inch. Much colder with lows around 5 above. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph, becoming northeast after midnight. Chance of snow 70 percent.
Thursday: Mostly sunny. A chance of light snow in the morning. Little or no additional snow accumulation. Much cooler with highs around 13. North winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 50 percent.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy. Cold with lows around 4 below. Northeast winds around 5 mph.
Friday: Mostly cloudy. Not as cool with highs in the upper 20s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of freezing rain in the evening, then a chance of freezing rain, snow with a slight chance of sleet after midnight. Not as cool with lows in the mid 20s. Temperature rising into the upper 20s after midnight. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.
Saturday: A chance of freezing rain in the morning. Rain. Not as cool with highs in the upper 40s. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy in the evening, then becoming partly cloudy. A 50 percent chance of rain. Lows in the mid 20s.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. Highs around 40.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s.
Monday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 40s.
Tuesday Night: A chance of rain, then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 20s. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.
Weather Notice: The weekly forecast is by UMFK Professor Joseph E. Becker based on available computer models and data and may not reflect current conditions or later forecast updates. Check The County.me or the National Weather Service Caribou, Maine for the most recent weather information for the Saint John Valley.
