Honestly, if you’ve lived in Androscoggin County for more than a week, you know the drill. One minute you're scraping a thick glaze of ice off your windshield at 6:00 AM, and by noon, the sun is hitting the pine needles so hard you’re considering unzipping that heavy Carhartt jacket. Weather for Sabattus Maine is basically a masterclass in "dazzling uncertainty," as Mark Twain once put it. It’s not just cold; it’s a specific kind of interior Maine cold that bites differently than the damp chill you get down in Portland.
Right now, as of mid-January 2026, we're tucked right into the heart of the "cold season." The numbers don't lie, but they also don't tell the whole story.
The Real Deal on Sabattus Winters
Today, Friday, January 16, it’s a crisp 19°F outside. But don't let that fool you. With a 13 mph wind coming out of the west, the "feels like" temperature is sitting at a much more aggressive 6°F. It’s sunny, which is a nice break, but that sun is basically just decoration when the mercury is this low.
If you're planning your weekend, keep an eye on the sky. Tonight, it’s going to cloud over with a low of 14°F and a 35% chance of snow. Tomorrow, Saturday, things get a bit messier. We’re looking at a high of 31°F—practically a heatwave compared to today—but it comes with snow showers and an 87% humidity level that’ll make the air feel heavy.
A Quick Look at the Next Few Days
The forecast is moving fast.
- Sunday: Clouds stick around with a high of 34°F. Snow is likely at night (35% chance).
- Monday: Mostly sunny but cooling back down to 30°F.
- Tuesday: The bottom drops out. Sunny, but a high of only 18°F and a low of 7°F.
Basically, the next week is a roller coaster. You’ll want your boots by the door and your salt bucket full.
Beyond the Daily Forecast
People from away think Maine is just "frozen" for six months. Not quite. Sabattus sits in the Southern Interior Division, which means we get hotter summers and colder winters than the coast. While Portland is buffered by the Atlantic, we’re out here dealing with the raw continental air.
Historically, January is our trial by fire—or ice. The average low is around 12°F, but we’ve seen it drop way lower. Did you know the record low for this area (looking at nearby Lewiston/Auburn data) hit -22°F back in 1934? And on the flip side, we've had January days reach into the 60s. Talk about a headache for your thermostat.
Sabattus Pond and the Ice Factor
For a lot of us, the weather isn't just about what to wear—it's about whether the ice is safe. Sabattus Pond is the lifeblood of the town in the winter. Right now, water temperatures are hovering around 36°F.
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Officials have been pretty vocal lately: early-season ice is sketchy. Even with these sub-freezing nights, ice rarely freezes uniformly. Currents near the bridge or where streams flow in can leave "rotten" spots that look solid but won't hold a sled. If you’re heading out for pike, use an auger to check thickness every few yards.
The Seasons Nobody Talks About
We all know Summer and Winter. But in Sabattus, the "transition" seasons are where the real drama happens.
Mud Season (April): It’s not just a joke. As the snowpack melts and the frost leaves the ground, dirt roads like those around the outskirts of town turn into literal chocolate pudding.
The "Clear" Days: Interestingly, January 16 is statistically one of the clearest days of the winter here, with about a 48% chance of clear or partly cloudy skies. Contrast that with May, which is actually one of our cloudiest months.
Actionable Tips for Navigating Sabattus Weather
If you're new here or just visiting, don't get caught off guard.
- Layer like an onion: Start with moisture-wicking wool. Adding a fleece and a windproof shell is better than one giant parka that you'll sweat in the moment you step into a shop.
- Watch the West Wind: Most of our weather comes from the west. If the wind picks up from the northeast, get ready—that’s often the sign of a Nor'easter brewing.
- Check the Ice: Never assume. A week of 20-degree weather doesn't guarantee four inches of clear black ice, especially with the insulating effect of recent snow.
- Hydrate your skin: The humidity today is only 48%. Between the dry outdoor air and the forced-hot-air heat indoors, your skin will crack before you notice.
Keep those wipers pulled up if snow is coming tonight, and maybe throw an extra blanket in the back of the truck. You never know when a "dusting" turns into a four-hour ordeal on Route 126.