Wednesday, March 25_Friday, March 27
A cold front moving through the region this morning is producing some scattered snow showers across northern Maine, based on current Doppler radar imagery. Little/no accumulation is anticipated from the frontal passage. Once the front moves east of the Valley, skies look to become partly cloudy to mostly sunny through the afternoon as high pressure moves by to the west. Highs today in the mid-20s with breezy northwest winds 10-15 mph gusting in the 25 to 30 mph range at times.
Clouds increase this evening as a fast-moving system brings 90 percent snow late tonight into early Thursday morning. Around 1-inch is possible overnight. Roads may become snow-covered and slushy in time for the Thursday morning commute, so drivers should make appropriate plans to allow more time for travel. Chilly temperatures are expected overnight with temperatures falling into the lower 10s. Northwest wind near calm shift to the southeast overnight increasing to 2-4 mph.
Mostly cloudy to overcast skies are expected Thursday with 90 percent chance of precipitation. Snow is likely in the morning, changing to all rain in the afternoon as temperatures rise into the upper 30s. Around 1-3 inches of snow possible. South-southeast wind 5-10 mph.
Another system arrives Thursday night, bringing a 70 percent chance of mainly rain but some light snow in the Valley, possibly creating slick spots overnight. Colder air moves in early Friday, which could freeze leftover moisture and create icy patches for the morning commute before conditions gradually improve later in the day. Lows Thursday night dip into the middle 10s with southwest wind in the 5-10 mph range, gusting up to 25 mph at times. Precipitation amounts in the 0.01 to 0.09-inch range overnight.
Cold high pressure from central Canada will build in Friday and last through the weekend, bringing a sharp return to winter conditions. Temperatures Friday will fall through the day, with the coldest readings by late afternoon and brisk winds making it feel even colder. Highs in the low 20s Wednesday morning with northwest wind 10-15 mph gusting up to 30 mph.
Much colder air arrives Friday night under mostly clear skies, with low temperatures dropping into the 5 to 10 below zero range. Light northwest wind expected Friday night create bitterly cold wind chills well below zero—cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in under an hour, so anyone engaged in outdoor activities should dress appropriately.
Saturday, March 28-Tuesday, March 31
Saturday will be the coldest day, with highs far below normal despite lighter winds. Highs top out around 20 with light west winds. Saturday night looks partly cloudy and cold with lows in the 0 to 5 above zero range.
Conditions begin to improve Sunday as temperatures moderate with return flow around high pressure moving into the Atlantic channeling warmer air into the region. Sunday looks partly sunny with highs in the upper 20s followed by partly cloudy skies in the evening and increasingly cloudy skies overnight as a warm front approaches from the west. Temperatures in the lower 10s Sunday night.
By early next week readings will return closer to typical late March levels with more comfortable conditions overall. Monday will be partly sunny with a chance of snow in the morning, then a chance of rain during the afternoon as temperatures climb into the upper 30s, making it feel a bit milder than recent days.
Clouds linger Monday night with a chance of rain and snow early in the evening before gradual clearing after midnight, with lows dropping to around 20 degrees. Tuesday brings mostly sunny skies and cooler conditions, with afternoon highs in the mid-30s. By Tuesday night, mostly cloudy skies return along with a slight chance of snow, and temperatures falling into the mid-10s.
Daily Forecast
Today: Scattered snow showers before 8am. Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 24. Northwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tonight: Snow likely, mainly after 4am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 12. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Thursday: Snow before noon, then rain and snow. High near 38. South wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Thursday Night: Rain likely, possibly mixed with snow before 1am, then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. South wind 6 to 8 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 22. Northwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around -3. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 19. West wind 3 to 7 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 3.
Sunday: A slight chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 29. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 12.
Monday: A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 40. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Monday Night: A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday: A slight chance of snow. Mostly sunny, with a high near 34. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tuesday Night: A slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14. Chance of precipitation 20%.
Weather Notice: The weekly forecast, by UMFK Professor Joseph E. Becker, is 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.
