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Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Caribou ME
557 AM EDT Mon Jun 3 2024

...Northern and Eastern Maine 2024 Spring Climate Narrative...

Meteorological Spring (March 1st - May 31st) finished with well
above average temperatures, at to above normal precipitation, and
at to above average snowfall.

Spring temperatures across the region ranged from 2.5 to 4.5
degrees F above average with the warmest departures across the
north. The 2024 spring seasonal average of 42.6 degrees at
Caribou finished 2nd warmest only behind spring 2010 which
averaged 43.9 degrees. It was the 4th, 5th, and 6th warmest spring
of record at Millinocket, Houlton, and Bangor respectfully, all
of which also experienced their warmest spring in 2010. Uniform
warmth with only a few short below average periods was the
general rule for the region this season.

Total precipitation ranged from near average across the far
northeast to 150 to 200 percent of average over the Central
Highlands and Downeast areas. The total of 15.31 inches at Bangor
was the third greatest spring precipitation total, but was still
well behind the wettest spring of 24.07 inches set in 1983.

Despite being a warm spring, snowfall for the season ranged from
near average upwards to 125 to 150 percent of average over the
Central Highlands and Northern Somerset County. Most of this snow
fell in the latter half of March and opening days of April, which
provided a short second winter after a lengthy thaw period
earlier in March resulting in the melt off of most of the lower
terrain snowpack. Snowfall was then below average for the rest of
April, and pretty much non-existent in May. Thaw conditions early
in Spring ended the skiing and snow mobile season upwards to a
month earlier than average, even as far north as northeast Maine,
negatively impacting the local economy.

The Climate Prediction Center`s 2024 summer (June 1st - August
31st) prediction for the region is calling for significantly
increased odds of above normal temperatures and nearly equal odds
of below, near normal, or above normal rainfall.

$$

VJN