Unusual May storm blankets parts of Maine with snow
On this late May Sunday, an unexpected blast of winter swept across parts of Maine, leaving several inches of fresh snow on the ground. While most of the Northeast is already embracing spring, residents of western Maine woke up to a scene more typical of January than May.
This unseasonal snowstorm began late Saturday night, May 24, and continued into the early hours of Sunday morning, dropping up to 10 inches (25 cm) of snow in some higher-elevation towns. In places like Rangeley, Carrabassett Valley, and near Saddleback Mountain, plows were out early clearing roads usually dormant for the season.
Ski resorts benefit from the late spring snowfall
The surprise snow was a welcome gift for several ski areas, some of which had already ended their regular season. Sugarloaf and Saddleback, two of Maine’s most iconic resorts, reported significant snowfall on their upper slopes—enough for a few skiers and snowboarders to enjoy a rare Memorial Day weekend ride.
While no official reopening was announced, social media lit up with photos of fresh powder, prompting some enthusiasts to hike uphill for one last run. “This is the kind of thing that makes Maine magical,” one skier posted from the Sugarloaf backcountry, bundled in winter gear despite the late-May date.
Why snow in May? The meteorological setup behind the storm
According to local meteorologists, the culprit behind this late-season snow was a strong low-pressure system sweeping through New England, combined with cold air aloft from Canada. As temperatures dipped below 32°F (0°C) in the mountains, moisture from the storm fell as heavy wet snow instead of rain.
This rare setup isn’t unprecedented, but it’s highly unusual this late in the month. “You need just the right blend of cold air, timing, and altitude,” forecasters noted, and this storm delivered on all fronts—especially in the western Maine mountains.
Travel impacts and changing conditions
Although most main roads remained navigable, the storm did lead to slippery conditions on secondary routes and mountain passes. Temperatures, however, are expected to rise quickly, with highs climbing into the 50s and 60s (10–20°C) by Monday, leading to rapid melting of the snowpack.
Still, the brief return of winter served as a reminder of how volatile and unpredictable spring weather can be in Northern New England.
