A very active and wintry forecast is in store for Maine for the next several days.
We’ll see the possibility of thundershowers Wednesday afternoon, followed by a round of heavy snow in spots overnight. A widespread, potentially plowable snowfall is on the way for Saturday as well.
Wednesday will bring the chance for scattered showers and downpours for the afternoon, some of which could have thunder, small hail and gusty winds. Highs will be in the low to mid-40s, and where it’s colder in the mountains snow squalls are possible.
Heavy snow tonight
A rapidly intensifying area of low pressure will bring snowstorm conditions for parts of the state from about 10 p.m. Wednesday to around 5 a.m. Thursday, while we all likely see some snow, the highest totals of up to a half foot or more look to be in midcoast Maine. Central Maine may see several inches, and southern Maine sees the least with just a couple inches possible. Snow wraps up before daybreak Thursday, but a slick morning commute is likely.
Thursday wind
Very strong winds and cold temperatures follow the snow on Thursday. Winds will gust up to 55 mph in the mountains and 45 mph outside the mountains. With highs in the low 30s, winds will keep us feeling like the teens and 20s. We’ll see a mix of sun and clouds through the day.
Friday will be briefly quiet. Highs will be in the upper 30s with clouds increasing through the afternoon.
Saturday snow
A more significant snowfall potential is in the forecast for Saturday. With cold air in place, a mostly snow event looks likely, with some mixing possible along the coast and potentially for some inland areas as well. Plowable amounts are looking likely, although where those highest totals set up remains uncertain. Still, slick travel looks likely all day Saturday as snow will continue to fall. Snow wraps up Saturday night heading into Sunday.
Stay tuned to the Saturday forecast over the next couple days as we refine expected totals and timing of the storm.
Quieter weather looks to return Sunday, but we remain cool heading into next week.
