PORTLAND — As frigid temperatures settle in, Friday is expected to bring a mix of intense cold and plenty of sunshine across the region. A powerful coastal storm is projected to travel up the East Coast over the weekend, but impacts in Maine are forecasted to be minimal.
The National Weather Service has issued cold weather advisories for all of New Hampshire and for several counties in Maine, including Oxford, York, Cumberland, as well as northern Franklin, Somerset, and Piscataquis counties. These advisories will remain in effect until 10 AM, with wind chill values anticipated to plunge as low as -20 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, factoring in current air temperatures and wind speeds.
On Friday, air temperatures are expected to reach the teens statewide, with higher elevations seeing single-digit highs. Winds will predominantly flow from the west at speeds of 5 to 10 MPH, with gusts possibly reaching up to 25 MPH inland and northward while coastal areas may experience gusts of around 15 MPH. The chilly winds will further contribute to dangerously low wind chill readings, which will be well below zero throughout the morning and afternoon. Those venturing outside are advised to dress in layers and wear hats and gloves to protect against frostbite, which can occur on exposed skin within just ten minutes under these conditions.
The day will likely remain mostly sunny, although some variation in cloud coverage can be expected. While the region experiences a significant drop from typical high temperatures, marine conditions will also warrant attention due to northwest winds at 15-20 knots, gusting up to 30, and a Small Craft Advisory in effect until 11 PM for moderate freezing spray.
Looking ahead, Saturday is forecasted to be quiet and cold with abundant sunshine but temperatures struggling to reach the low 20s. On Sunday, the anticipated storm could have only minor effects on Maine as it remains on a more offshore trajectory. However, with the arrival of a full moon, astronomically high tides are expected along the coast, particularly heightened by the incoming storm.
By Sunday afternoon, wind speeds are predicted to increase, with gusts potentially reaching 30-40 MPH. Residents should be vigilant of late weekend tides that may cause flooding, as several times on Sunday morning and evening are projected to exceed forecasted tide levels significantly. Key tide times to monitor include a morning high tide of 10.9 feet predicted to reach 12.2 feet, and an evening high tide expected to hit 12.1 feet.
As the weekend approaches, staying informed about local weather updates will be essential to navigate the winter chill and potential coastal impacts effectively.