Caribou, Maine – Mainers will get a brief break from active weather Monday before heat, humidity and the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms return Tuesday, creating a threat for damaging wind gusts across much of the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, fair weather will continue through Sunday night with overnight lows near 60 degrees. Scattered showers will develop Monday, with the greatest chance for rainfall during the afternoon across northern Maine and during the evening Downeast. A few thunderstorms are also possible, but widespread severe weather is not expected Monday.
Tuesday is shaping up to be the hottest day of the week. High temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-80s to lower 90s, with the warmest readings across central and interior Downeast Maine. Increasing humidity will make conditions feel even hotter and provide the fuel for thunderstorms to develop during the afternoon and evening.
Communities including Bangor, Millinocket, Houlton, Dover-Foxcroft, Lincoln and surrounding inland areas face the greatest potential for strong to severe storms. Forecasters say the primary hazard will be gusty to damaging wind gusts, although frequent lightning and torrential rainfall are also possible.
Residents should stay weather-aware Tuesday afternoon and evening, especially if they have outdoor plans. Secure loose outdoor items, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and be prepared to move indoors quickly if thunderstorms develop.
While confidence is high in the return of hot and humid weather Tuesday, the exact timing and location of the strongest storms remains uncertain. The National Weather Service says additional outlooks, watches or warnings may be issued as the threat becomes better defined.
