Caribou, ME – Smoky skies will persist across Eastern and Northern Maine today, affecting both temperatures and air quality. The smoke, primarily lingering above 3,000 feet, has intermittently descended to ground level, slightly cooling temperatures below expected levels.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, the haze is blocking solar radiation, leading to cooler-than-predicted temperatures across the region. This phenomenon has persisted over the last few days, impacting not only the weather but also solar energy production, with noticeable drops in power output for those with solar panels.
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has issued a “Moderate” air quality rating for particle pollution today, urging residents to take precautions, particularly those with respiratory conditions. The smoky conditions are expected to persist through the weekend, with temperatures ranging from the upper 70s to low 80s.
Looking ahead, the forecast shows a chance of showers on Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures cooling to the 60s. By midweek, the skies should clear up slightly, but temperatures will remain in the high 60s to low 70s.
