Light Freezing Rain Could Create Slick Roads Early Wednesday in Northern Maine, NWS Warns Ahead of Thanksgiving Travel
CARIBOU, MAINE — Northern Maine travelers may face brief but hazardous icy conditions early Wednesday, as the National Weather Service in Caribou warns of a small window of light freezing rain just as the Thanksgiving travel rush begins.
The early-morning threat arrives with a weak storm system lifting through the region, and even a thin glaze of ice could make untreated roads and bridges dangerously slick before temperatures rise later in the morning.
Quiet Start to the Week Before Conditions Change
Monday and Tuesday bring calm weather to both northern and Downeast Maine, offering a pleasant lead-up to the holiday:
- Monday: Mostly sunny, highs in the 30s north, 40s Downeast
- Tuesday: Partly to mostly cloudy, highs climbing into the low-to-mid 40s
But forecasters note this calm pattern sets up a sharper change heading into Wednesday morning.
Freezing Rain Possible Before Sunrise Wednesday
An approaching occluded system is expected to spread precipitation into Northern Maine before sunrise Wednesday. With temperatures hovering near or just below freezing, the NWS says light freezing rain is possible, especially across northern Aroostook County.
Forecasters caution that even minimal icing can be dangerous:
“Even a light glaze can create hazardous travel conditions, especially on untreated roads,” the NWS said in its early-week update.
The icy threat is expected to end by late morning as warmer air moves in and precipitation transitions fully to rain.
Drivers should watch for:
- Icy bridges and overpasses
- Slippery rural roads before 9 a.m.
- Reduced visibility from mixed precipitation
Thanksgiving Travel Looks Mostly Smooth After Morning Icing Risk
Once temperatures rise above freezing, conditions should improve significantly. Rain showers may linger at times on Wednesday, but no widespread hazardous weather is expected for the remainder of the day.
Thanksgiving Day itself is shaping up to be calm and seasonal, with cloudy to partly sunny skies and temperatures ranging from the upper 30s to mid-40s, supporting stress-free regional travel.
Cooler, Windier Weather Arrives Friday
Behind the midweek system comes a return of colder air and gusty winds:
- Breezier conditions Friday afternoon
- Scattered snow showers in northern and western Maine
- Little accumulation expected
These winds could produce pockets of light, blowing snow in exposed areas.
No Major Storms Expected — But Stay Alert During Peak Travel Week
Forecasters emphasize that while only light freezing rain is expected, the timing — early Wednesday morning — could still catch commuters or holiday travelers off guard.
Meteorologists note:
“This is the busiest travel week of the year, and even minor weather changes can affect plans.”
With no major storm systems on the horizon, the week overall looks manageable — as long as drivers take extra care during Wednesday morning’s brief icy period.
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