Southern Maine Braces for Snow, Frigid Temperatures

Arctic front and offshore low-pressure system to bring localized snowfall and dangerously cold wind chills across the state.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Forecasters predict a unique weather event in southern Maine on Saturday, with an arctic cold front converging with an offshore low-pressure system along the coastline. This is expected to bring snow accumulations ranging from 2 to 6 inches in the York County area, while the rest of the state faces plummeting temperatures and dangerous wind chills, especially in inland and northern regions.

Why it matters

The combination of snow and extreme cold poses risks for public safety, transportation, and power outages across Maine. Residents will need to take precautions against the hazardous winter conditions.

The details

The National Weather Service says the snow is expected to start overnight Friday and continue through Saturday morning, with the heaviest snowfall between sunrise and midmorning. The Portland area could see 1-2 inches, while the York County coast may receive 2-6 inches. Inland areas are less likely to see significant accumulation. However, temperatures will drop rapidly on Saturday evening as the arctic front moves through, with the coastline hovering around 0-5 degrees and inland areas potentially reaching 10 below zero. Dangerous wind chills of -10 to -25 degrees are forecast for central and western Maine, with the potential for -40 degree wind chills at higher elevations.

  • The snow is expected to start overnight Friday and continue through Saturday morning, with the heaviest snowfall between sunrise and midmorning on Saturday.
  • A cold weather advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday across much of the state.

The players

Derek Schroeter

A meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Gray, Maine.

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What they’re saying

“We have an arctic cold front that's approaching, while an area of low pressure passes well offshore. There's going to be an area of convergence near the coast.”

— Derek Schroeter, Meteorologist

“As that arctic front crosses, temperatures will drop pretty quickly Saturday evening.”

— Derek Schroeter, Meteorologist

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm and issue updates on snowfall totals and wind chill advisories as the weather event unfolds.

The takeaway

Residents across Maine, especially in southern and central regions, should prepare for hazardous winter conditions this weekend, including the potential for heavy localized snowfall and dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills. Taking proper precautions will be crucial to staying safe.