Maine Snow Globe Effect Continues as Portland Sees Lower Totals and Northern Counties Pick Up 6 to 8 Inches
PORTLAND, MAINE — A complex winter system is moving through New England, but snowfall totals will vary sharply across the region. Forecast guidance indicates that Portland and areas southward are likely to stay on the lower end of accumulations due to warmer temperatures and mixed precipitation, while northern and eastern Maine could see 6 to 8 inches or more before the system winds down.
The evolving setup suggests a sharp north-south snowfall gradient across Maine and surrounding states.
Portland and Southern Maine See Limited Snow
Model projections show warmer air influencing southern Maine, particularly from Portland southward. As a result, precipitation may fluctuate between rain and a rain/snow mix overnight.
The bulk of the western portion of the region is expected to wrap up between 10 PM and 1 AM, with southeastern New England potentially seeing lingering precipitation until roughly 2 to 3 AM. However, snow accumulation in those southern areas is expected to remain minimal — generally a couple inches or less, and in many cases, less than that.
Temperatures hovering near or above freezing will limit significant accumulation in southern coastal communities.
Northern and Eastern Maine Remain in the Snow Band
Farther north and east, colder air remains firmly in place. Northern and eastern Maine are expected to remain within the primary snow zone through Wednesday evening, allowing steady snowfall to continue for a longer duration.
Accumulations of 6 to 8 inches or more are possible in these areas, particularly where banding enhances snowfall rates. Communities across interior northern Maine will likely see the most meaningful totals.
Snow showers may linger across other parts of the region throughout much of Wednesday, but additional accumulation outside the far north is expected to be limited.
System Progression Through the Day
Forecast model snapshots indicate that precipitation begins to taper across western areas first, with activity gradually shifting eastward overnight and into Wednesday.
By early morning hours — around 4 AM to 7 AM — precipitation becomes more scattered across southern New England, while Maine remains under broader snow coverage. By 7 PM Wednesday, lingering snow showers are expected to persist in northern Maine, though accumulation rates should decrease.
The position of a surface low north of New England is influencing this pattern, with colder air wrapping into Maine while warmer air remains closer to the coast and southern New England.
Sharp Regional Contrast Across New England
This system underscores how subtle temperature differences can dramatically impact snowfall totals. While Portland and southern Maine see limited accumulations due to warmer air and mixing, northern and eastern Maine remain locked in a colder air mass supportive of steadier snow.
Residents traveling between southern and northern Maine should anticipate very different road conditions depending on location. Slick travel is most likely across interior northern counties, where snowfall totals are higher.
As this winter system exits New England and colder air lingers across Maine, staying updated on evolving conditions remains essential. For continued national weather coverage and updates that may impact travel, concerts, and live events, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.