For about 8 hours on Wednesday afternoon, I officially changed my winter wreath on my door to my spring one.
Before I went to bed, though, I switched it back. Thursday is a cruel return to reality.
It’s no surprise that records fell across Maine (and New England) yesterday.
What’s more impressive, though, is that yesterday’s high temperature was the highest ever recorded in Bangor during the month of February. Portland came in at second place for the entire month, only losing to 68° on February 21, 2018.
The old record, 60°, was set way back on February 21, 1937. These temperature records in Bangor go back to 1925.
This warmth is already a distant memory, and that just gets reinforced tonight as snow begins.
The first snow showers will begin before sunrise across southwestern Maine.
Expect issues with the morning commute along the entire Maine Turnpike as well as across the Midcoast and up to route 2 in western Maine.
Snow will continue spreading east, with the first flakes in Bangor falling before 9 a.m.
While the snow may not start until the morning commute has already begun, air temperatures in the low teens mean that snow will stick immediately.
Snow starts to wrap up in the late afternoon or early evening.
Given the cold air locked in place, roads will still most likely be slick for the evening commute.
Travel conditions will certainly be improving, though.
There are not any huge shifts in the forecast totals, but I do think that the Fryeburg area and the Oxford hills have a pretty good chance at getting over 6″ of snow.
The highest totals are still most likely in southern Maine and along the Midcoast with 3-6″ for Augusta and Bangor.
North of Maine route 6 in Penobscot county will end up with only a few inches.
The County sees a few flurries, which may not even be enough for noticeable accumulation.
Snow will generally be fairly light and fluffy. Clean-up should be quick, especially since there isn’t a huge wind threat.
Behind this storm, cold air settles back in for the weekend.
Other than a few snow squalls on Sunday, the weekend looks generally quiet.
Enjoy this brief break from what has been a very active weather stretch.
– Mike Slifer, @MikeSliferWX
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