Caribou, ME — Northern and central Maine are bracing for a stretch of dangerous cold and fast-moving snow squalls late Thursday, as the National Weather Service issues multiple alerts for life-threatening conditions.
Dangerous Arctic Cold and Travel Hazards Expected Thursday
An intense blast of Arctic air will settle over the region tonight, driving temperatures to around 0°F across the North Woods and Central Highlands. The National Weather Service in Caribou warns that “wind chills could fall to 25–30 degrees below zero”, creating hazardous conditions for anyone outdoors, especially during the early morning hours.
Forecasters emphasize that this level of cold can cause frostbite in a short period of time, stressing that “residents should wear layers, cover exposed skin, and limit time outdoors to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.”
What’s Behind the Extreme Cold
A strong northwest flow pulling Arctic air into Maine is responsible for the steep temperature drop. Even during daylight hours, winds up to 30 mph will make the cold feel significantly worse. Areas with higher elevation or more open terrain will experience the harshest wind chills.
Officials note that this pattern is typical of mid-winter, not early December, making this cold outbreak particularly impactful for residents and travelers who aren’t yet acclimated.
Snow Squalls Could Cause Rapid Whiteout Conditions
Alongside the dangerous cold, meteorologists warn that snow squalls could develop Thursday afternoon and evening. These bursts of intense, fast-moving snow can create sudden “whiteout conditions and rapidly deteriorating road visibility”, making driving extremely hazardous.
Snow squalls often catch drivers off guard because snowfall duration is brief—sometimes only minutes—but the impacts can be severe. Roads that appear clear can quickly become slick, with visibility dropping to near zero almost instantly.
The NWS urges motorists to pay close attention to alerts, explaining that “Snow Squall Warnings indicate imminent travel danger” and should be treated with the same seriousness as severe weather warnings.
Safety Tips for Drivers
If a snow squall approaches, officials advise:
- Slow down immediately and increase following distance
- Avoid sudden braking or lane changes
- Turn on headlights and hazard lights for visibility
- Pull over safely if conditions become impossible to navigate
According to the NWS, “even short bursts of heavy snow can make roads slick within minutes,” especially on highways and rural routes.
What Residents Should Expect Next
Cold conditions will continue through Thursday night, with wind chills remaining dangerously low across northern and central Maine. Temperatures may slowly improve by the weekend, but another wave of Arctic air could return depending on the broader weather pattern.
The National Weather Service will continue to monitor developing squalls and release updates as conditions evolve.
Conclusion
Northern and central Maine face a dual threat of bitterly cold temperatures and sudden snow squalls capable of creating treacherous travel conditions. Residents are urged to take precautions, stay weather-aware, and monitor NWS alerts closely as this dangerous weather unfolds.
Share Your Experience
How are conditions in your area right now? Have you seen squalls or dangerous wind chills?
Share your update in the comments.
