Portland, Maine – Temperatures plunged fast enough to freeze exposed plants and ice up windshields before sunrise Tuesday, with parts of Maine waking to readings in the low 20s.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, Portland dropped to 22°F, breaking the previous record low of 23°F set in 1962, while Augusta fell to 24°F, undercutting its prior 28°F record from 2020. Concord, New Hampshire, hit 21°F, well below its normal 35°F for this time of year.
The sharp cold has statewide impacts, especially for early commuters and growers. Inland valleys and low-lying areas saw the coldest readings, with patchy frost extending along the I-95 corridor from York County through Kennebec County. In Portland, icy windshields slowed the morning commute, while in Augusta, residents reported frozen garden soil and stressed early blooms.
Drivers should allow extra time to defrost vehicles and watch for slick spots on untreated bridges. Gardeners are urged to cover sensitive plants and delay planting until temperatures stabilize.
Conditions will gradually improve by late morning Tuesday as sunshine lifts readings above freezing, but additional advisories could be issued if another cold night develops midweek.
