Quiet weather is expected in Maine through mid-week. Another winter storm then looks likely on Thursday, with a bigger storm possible for the weekend. Monday will be quiet and sunny. Highs will be in the upper 20s.

A winter storm on Thursday is expected to drop a half-foot of snow across the region and cause messy driving conditions. Snow began falling in the Portland area by late morning and is expected to pick up in intensity throughout the afternoon.

Initially, it will be cold enough for all snow. Snow begins in southern and western Maine between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. In central and eastern Maine, it’s a later arrival, starting between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The steadiest snow will fall during the afternoon and early evening.

The second of five storms that will slam the eastern half of the United States with snow and ice over a two week period is on the way – and this one has more snow than the first.

Plow truck drivers are welcoming the increase in activity, and they are warning people to be careful out on the roads.

Yet another snowstorm is gearing up to move into Maine on Saturday night. The highest totals with this storm look to be in southern Maine. More winter storms are expected next week as the active pattern continues.