textproduct: Caribou

WHAT HAS CHANGED

- The Gale warning for the coastal waters has been modified to end at 18 UTC instead of 21 UTC.

- A Frost Advisory has been issued for the interior Downeast tonight.

KEY MESSAGES

1) Strong westerly winds today could lead to some isolated power outages. Also, the strong wind coupled with the colder temperatures will lead to dangerous wind chills in the mountains today.

2) Frost expected Downeast tonight with low temperatures approaching freezing.

DISCUSSION

KEY MESSAGE 1...Strong westerly winds today could lead to some isolated power outages. Also, the strong wind coupled with the colder temperatures will lead to dangerous wind chills in the mountains today.

KEY MESSAGE 1 DESCRIPTION... Strong westerly winds are currently increasing as a low-level jet of strong winds aloft associated with a departing low moves over the area. The strongest winds are currently expected around mid-morning today before gradually tapering off this afternoon as the strong low pressure system exits the area. Currently expecting gusts to between 40 and 50 mph over the higher terrain across the north, with up to 65 mph possible at the highest summits. A Wind Advisory is in effect for areas including and north of Millinocket and Greenville.

Over interior Downeast and the Bangor region, expect westerly wind gusts between 30 and 40 mph but below wind advisory criteria. It is likely that significant leaf loss will occur across the region, especially where peak foliage has been reached. Gusty winds could also lead to some isolated power outages.

With the colder airmass moving in, the strong winds will lead to dangerously cold wind chills in the mountains through tonight. Katahdin will have wind chills in the teens even in the middle of the day today. Hikers should be prepared for winter conditions.

KEY MESSAGE 2...Frost expected Downeast tonight with low temperatures approaching freezing.

KEY MESSAGE 2 DESCRIPTION... High pressure building in behind the departing low pressure system should lead to clear skies overnight which in combination with decreasing winds should allow for strong overnight cooling. Temperatures are expected to dip into the low to mid 30s tonight over the interior Downeast where the growing season is still active. Widespread frost is likely and thus a Frost Advisory has been issued. For coastal Downeast, expect a more patchy frost with temperatures in the mid to upper 30s, especially further inland. Did not have enough confidence yet to issue a Frost Advisory here due to some concerns about winds staying elevated which would counteract the overnight cooling.

AVIATION /07Z TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/

Today...Occasional MVFR ceilings across northern areas this morning. Otherwise, VFR. Isolated showers north this morning. West/northwest winds 10 to 15 knots with gusts up to 20 to 25 knots, increasing to 15 to 25 knots with gusts up to 30 to 40 knots. Westerly low level wind shear north early.

Tonight...VFR. West/northwest winds 10 to 20 knots with gusts up to 30 knots, becoming west/southwest 5 to 10 knots.

Wednesday...VFR. A slight chance/chance of showers during the afternoon, mostly north. Southwest/south winds 10 to 15 knots with gusts up to around 20 knots.

Wednesday night...VFR early. VFR/MVFR, occasional IFR, late. A chance of showers, mostly north. South winds 5 to 10 knots. Thursday...Occasional IFR/LIFR early. Otherwise, VFR/MVFR. Showers likely north. A chance of showers Downeast. South/southwest winds 10 to 15 knots.

Thursday night...VFR. A slight chance of showers early. Southwest/west winds 5 to 10 knots.

Friday...VFR/MVFR with a slight chance of showers north. VFR Downeast. West/northwest winds 10 to 15 knots with gusts up to around 20 knots.

Friday night through Saturday...VFR. West/northwest winds 10 to 15 knots with gusts up to around 20 knots Friday night. Northwest winds 10 to 15 knots with gusts up to around 20 knots, decreasing to 5 to 10 knots, Saturday.

MARINE

Gales on the coastal waters through 2 PM EDT today and 5 PM EDT for the outer waters. Small craft conditions on the intracoastal waters persist through 8 PM EDT tonight and through about midnight tonight for the coastal waters. Seas peak at 6 to 8 ft on the outer waters and 4 to 6 ft on the coastal waters this morning. Winds and seas below SCA criteria Wednesday.

Small craft advisory conditions possible Wednesday night into Thursday. A slight chance of showers Thursday.

CAR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

ME...Wind Advisory from 8 AM this morning to 5 PM EDT this afternoon for MEZ001>006-010. Frost Advisory from 2 AM to 8 AM EDT Wednesday for MEZ016-017. MARINE...Gale Warning until 2 PM EDT this afternoon for ANZ050-051. Small Craft Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for ANZ052. Gale Warning until 5 PM EDT this afternoon for ANZ080-081.