Caribou, Maine – Gusty winds and elevated fire danger are gripping northern Maine Sunday, with only limited rainfall expected to ease ongoing drought conditions. Strong southerly winds of 15 to 30 mph are forecast from Eastern Aroostook through the Central Highlands into the Downeast coast, with temperatures climbing into the 70s and near 80 degrees.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, elevated fire weather conditions are expected across the Central Highlands, Baxter region, and into Eastern Aroostook County due to low humidity and ongoing dry conditions. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and use caution with any equipment that could spark fires.
Rain showers will move west to east late Sunday into Monday morning, offering the best chance of soaking rainfall in the North Woods and St. John Valley. Elsewhere across Maine, precipitation totals will be light and insufficient to significantly improve drought conditions.
Drivers in Caribou, Presque Isle, and Houlton could see wet roads for the Monday morning commute, though no widespread flooding issues are expected. By midweek, forecasters anticipate another stretch of dry, seasonable weather, keeping fire danger concerns in place.
