What’s the Coldest Temperature Ever Recorded in Maine?

Technically, it’s possible Maine has experienced colder temperatures in the past, but officially, this is the coldest reading ever recorded.

Listen, we may be used to cold—and even colder—temps here in Maine and across our Pine Tree State, but what we’re talking about today takes things to a whole new level.

So, how do we determine the coldest temperatures ever recorded in Maine? What exactly are we looking for?

In early 2009, an instrument at the Big Black River United States Geological Survey (USGS) station in northwestern Maine recorded an exceptionally cold temperature, prompting a thorough verification process documented by the University of Maine's ‘Maine Climate Office News’ on their website.

A Records Verification Committee, comprising experts from organizations such as the National Weather Service, USGS, and NOAA, convened to assess the reading's accuracy.

The committee conducted equipment tests and reviewed the data before unanimously approving the measurement as a record. This process highlights the collaborative efforts and rigorous standards involved in officially documenting extreme weather events, particularly here in Maine.

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Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s get to it: What and where were the coldest temperatures recorded in Maine? And just how cold are we talking?

The coldest recorded temperature in Maine occurred at the Big Black River, located in Big Black, Maine, when the river gauge hit -50°F on January 16, 2009. Yes, you read that correctly—minus 50 degrees! And that’s not even factoring in the wind chill.

So there you have it—the coldest temperature ever recorded in Maine was -50°F, on January 16, 2009, in Big Black, Maine.

Can you imagine enduring temperatures that cold? Do you remember that freezing day 16 years ago? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation by messaging us on the app.