Caribou, Maine – After a brief spell of sunshine and warmth, northern Maine residents can expect a turn toward unsettled weather as a series of low-pressure systems bring showers into the region beginning Friday. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Caribou, the change will be noticeable by Friday morning and linger into early Saturday before conditions improve for the latter half of the weekend.
Warmth Before the Change
Thursday will provide one final stretch of late-summer warmth, with highs climbing into the mid-70s under mostly sunny skies. This pleasant day will serve as a brief respite before showers begin to spread across Aroostook County and much of the state.
Rain Moves in Friday
By Friday morning, a low-pressure system tracking south out of western Quebec will bring the first round of showers into northern Maine. As the system moves eastward, rainfall will expand across central portions of the state, reaching Bangor and coastal Down East communities by evening.
The evening commute along Interstate 95 could be impacted by wet road conditions and reduced visibility, particularly from Houlton south toward Bangor. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and drive with caution as the showers intensify.
Coastal Low Brings Additional Rain
Forecasters are also monitoring the development of a secondary low along the Maine coast Friday night. This feature is expected to generate another round of steady showers, with rainfall potentially lasting into early Saturday. Rainfall totals may reach up to an inch across central and northern areas, though exact placement of the heaviest rain bands remains uncertain.
Saturday Showers, Sunday Sunshine
Saturday will remain unsettled, with scattered showers and highs only reaching the upper 60s, marking a noticeable drop from Thursday’s warmth. However, residents won’t have to wait long for improvement. Drier air will arrive Sunday, bringing a return of sunshine and highs in the mid-70s.
Looking Ahead to Labor Day
The holiday weekend will end on a bright note, as Labor Day Monday is expected to feature mostly sunny skies and seasonable temperatures. With conditions rebounding, outdoor plans, barbecues, and travel across the state should benefit from the fair weather.
In short, northern Maine is in for a soggy start to Labor Day weekend, but patience will be rewarded with sunshine and mild conditions by Sunday and Monday. While the Friday evening commute may pose challenges for drivers, the return of clear skies will provide residents with an opportunity to enjoy the last holiday of summer on a more pleasant note.
