Honestly, if you looked out the window in Augusta this morning and thought we were in for a simple, quiet January Saturday, the sky has a different plan. It is currently 24°F, and the air is thick. I mean 100% humidity thick. That "damp cold" that Mainers love to complain about? Yeah, it’s here in full force.
The light snow showers started a bit earlier, and they aren't going anywhere fast.
What the Winter Weather Advisory Actually Means for You
The National Weather Service out of Gray has been keeping a close eye on this weak system, and while it’s not a "stock up on milk and bread" kind of blizzard, it’s enough to make the Kennebec Valley pretty slick. A Winter Weather Advisory is officially in effect until 8 PM EST tonight.
We’re looking at a total accumulation of about 2 to 4 inches by the time the flurries taper off.
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It sounds like nothing. "Just a few inches," right? But here’s the thing—road temperatures are hovering right around that freezing mark, and with that 100% humidity, things get greasy. Fast. Even with a light northwest wind at only 2 mph, the visibility is dropping. If you’re heading over the Calumet Bridge or trying to navigate Western Ave, you’ve probably already seen the salt trucks out.
The Numbers You Actually Care About
- Current Temp: 24°F (feels exactly like it sounds).
- Today's High: 25°F.
- The Low: Dropping to 16°F tonight.
- Snow Chance: 45% during the day, dropping to 10% after dark.
Basically, what we’re seeing is a steady, light snow that’s going to hang around until the sun goes down. Since the UV index is at a big fat zero, don't expect any "melting from the sun" help today.
Why the "Lull" Was Deceptive
There was a bit of a break in the snow earlier this morning, which might have tempted some people to hit the road for errands. Don't let that fool you. The NWS mentioned that snow rates were expected to increase again this afternoon as the interior moisture gets a bit of a kick.
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If you're out and about, the "untreated road" warning is the one to take seriously. State crews are focused on the main arteries like I-95 and Route 201, but the side streets in the residential parts of Augusta are going to stay white and slippery for a while.
Looking Ahead: Sunday and Beyond
Once we get through this evening, the sky stays mostly cloudy. The wind shifts slightly, coming from the south at 2 mph tonight, which is basically a standstill.
Tomorrow looks a bit "milder" if you can call 36°F mild. There's a slight chance of some lingering flurries, but the real story is the potential for a larger coastal storm Sunday into Monday. Most of the models show that one passing offshore, but as any local knows, those "misses" can turn into "hits" with a 50-mile wobble in the track.
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Tips for Dealing with Today's Mess
- Watch the bridges. The Kennebec River is cold, and the air moving over it makes those bridge surfaces freeze way faster than the actual road.
- Check the 511. Seriously, New England 511 is the only way to know if there's a multi-car slide-up blocking your path before you get stuck in it.
- Clear the whole car. Not just a porthole on the windshield. With 100% humidity, your windows are going to fog up the second you breathe, so give your defroster a head start.
It’s just a typical Maine Saturday in January. A little snow, a lot of gray, and a reason to stay in and finally finish that book or watch the game. If you do have to head out, just take it slow.
Actionable Insight: If you haven't checked your wiper fluid levels lately, today is the day. The "road grime" from light snow and salt is at its peak when the temps are in the mid-20s. Make sure you’re topped off before the evening commute when visibility drops further.