Northern and eastern Maine residents should prepare for an unsettled stretch of weather this week, with alternating dry and wet spells leading up to a wet weekend. The National Weather Service office in Caribou has issued guidance pointing to scattered showers midweek and a stronger, rain-producing system arriving by Friday.
Tonight: A Quiet but Cool Night
After a day of isolated showers, conditions will calm this evening. Skies will gradually clear, and a cool, dry night will settle in across Aroostook County and surrounding areas. Patchy fog is expected to develop overnight, especially in low-lying rural locations. Temperatures will dip to around 50°F, making for a seasonably cool late-August evening.
Wednesday: Showers Return
By Wednesday afternoon, scattered showers are expected to redevelop across much of the region, including towns such as Presque Isle, Houlton, and Caribou. Daytime highs will range from the mid-60s to lower 70s, just slightly below normal for this time of year. While the rain will not be widespread, travelers should anticipate occasional damp conditions, especially during the afternoon and evening commute.
Thursday: The Calm Before the Storm
Thursday appears to be the most favorable day of the five-day period. The morning will begin with plenty of sunshine, offering a welcome break from the unsettled pattern. However, clouds will gradually increase later in the day as the next system approaches. Highs will climb near 70°F, making Thursday the best day for outdoor activities before conditions turn wetter again.
Friday into Saturday: A Stronger System Moves In
By Friday, a low-pressure system tracking into New England will bring more widespread showers. Cooler air will also accompany the rain, with highs only reaching the mid-60s. The heaviest rainfall is expected on Saturday, as the system intensifies and spreads steady rain across much of Maine. Communities from Bangor to Fort Kent, including Frenchville and other northern towns, should prepare for periods of moderate to heavy rain throughout the day. This will likely keep temperatures in the low to mid-60s, several degrees below seasonal averages.
Travel impacts could be significant, particularly on I-95 and rural highways. Slick roads and reduced visibility during heavier downpours will make caution essential for drivers. Residents are encouraged to keep umbrellas and rain gear handy and to plan extra time for weekend travel.
Sunday and Beyond: Gradual Clearing
Showers are likely to linger into Sunday, though coverage should become more scattered as the system begins to move eastward. While clouds and dampness may persist through much of the day, gradual clearing is expected late Sunday into Monday. Early next week looks drier, offering some relief after several days of wet conditions.
Five-Day Forecast for Caribou, Maine
- Tonight: Cool, dry, patchy fog. Low near 50°F.
- Wednesday: Scattered afternoon showers. High near 68°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, increasing clouds late. High near 70°F.
- Friday: Rain showers developing, cooler. High in the mid-60s.
- Saturday: Widespread rain likely. Highs in the low to mid-60s.
