Northern Maine just can’t seem to catch a break from winter’s lingering grip. This week, Caribou residents are in for a turbulent stretch of weather, as a cold and chaotic system sweeps through the region between April 14 and 16. Expect a back-and-forth mix of rain, snow, and gusty winds — a classic case of Maine’s spring unpredictability.
If you’re planning to drive, work outside, or even just take a walk, it’s worth knowing what’s coming. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect and how to stay safe.
Monday, April 14 – Snow to Start, Maybe a Glimpse of Sun
The week begins on a wintry note. Early risers may notice light snow falling during the morning hours, leaving behind a thin, slippery coating on roads and sidewalks. By the afternoon, clouds might give way to some sunshine, but temperatures will still be chilly and the breeze will keep it feeling colder than it looks.
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Morning: Light snow, possible accumulation on untreated surfaces
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Afternoon: Mostly cloudy, brief sunny breaks possible
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High: 49°F
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Low: 31°F
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Winds: Breezy, with gusts up to 20 mph
Driving tip: Watch for slick patches on your morning commute, especially on secondary roads.
Tuesday, April 15 – Rain Moves In and Lingers
Tuesday turns soggy as a low-pressure system delivers steady rain throughout the day. It won’t be a complete washout, but showers will come and go — the kind that soaks through shoes and makes everything feel damp. Roads may be slick and visibility reduced during heavier bouts of rain.
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High: 51°F
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Low: 37°F
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Rain chance: 70 percent
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Winds: Light, from the southeast
What to know: Make sure windshield wipers are working and keep an umbrella handy. Driving visibility may drop during brief downpours.
Wednesday, April 16 – Cold Air Returns with Another Shot of Snow
Winter makes one more push midweek. As temperatures dip, another round of light snow or a wintry mix is expected in the afternoon. It won’t be heavy, but it will be enough to make travel tricky, especially during the evening commute.
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High: 41°F
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Low: 34°F
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Precipitation: Light snow or rain-snow mix likely
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Winds: Gusts up to 25 mph
Heads-up: Sidewalks and smaller roads may refreeze overnight. Allow extra time if you’re driving early Thursday morning.
A Colder-Than-Usual April
So far, April has felt more like a stubborn extension of winter in Caribou. The first two weeks of the month have averaged just over 31 degrees — nearly four degrees colder than normal. Snowfall has also been above average, with 8.5 inches recorded, putting the area more than three inches above the typical mark for this time of year.
What You Can Do This Week
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Dress in layers, and don’t stash your winter coat just yet.
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Avoid unnecessary travel during active snow or rain hours.
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Check road conditions and weather alerts each morning before heading out.
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Keep outdoor plans flexible — the forecast is changing daily.
