Bitter Arctic air and gusty northwest winds will make for dangerous conditions across Maine this weekend, with serious wind chills and a significant snowstorm expected to arrive Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, wind chills Saturday will range from 30 degrees below zero in northern Maine to around 20 below zero farther south.
Officials urge residents to dress in layers and wear hats and face protection to guard against frostbite. The extreme cold will continue through Sunday, although winds are expected to ease somewhat.
A winter storm watch remains in effect from Sunday evening through late Monday night for much of central, eastern, and Down East. A large area of low pressure tracking south of the state is expected to spread snow from south to north Sunday night, with snow continuing through Monday.
Forecasters say the heaviest snow is likely Down East, where more than a foot of accumulation is possible. Central and northern areas can expect lighter to moderate snowfall. The snow is expected to be dry and powdery due to the cold temperatures, even along the coast.
Travel could become very difficult or impossible at times, especially during Monday’s morning and evening commutes.
The bitter cold will linger into Tuesday and Wednesday, though temperatures will not be quite as extreme as this weekend. Skies are expected to be partly sunny. By late in the week, temperatures are forecast to moderate closer to seasonal normals, with highs around 20 degrees in northern Maine and the mid-20s farther south.