Bangor, Maine – Thunderstorms will rattle much of Maine Thursday evening, with gusty winds and heavy downpours expected to cause hazardous travel from the Central Highlands to Bangor and the Downeast region.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, an Air Quality Alert remains in effect until 11 p.m. as wildfire smoke lingers before gradually pushing northeast out of the state by Friday. A low-pressure system will spark rounds of strong storms, with the greatest risk of damaging wind and torrential rain in northern and central Maine—including Bangor, Augusta, and Houlton. Drivers on Route 2 and I-95 should prepare for slick roads and possible ponding during the evening commute. Lesser but still notable showers and storms are possible farther south and east.
Residents are urged to stay indoors if thunder roars, avoid non-essential travel during storms, and keep mobile devices charged in case of power outages. Cooler, less humid weather arrives Friday as high pressure builds, bringing a break in the stormy pattern with highs in the low to mid-70s. Another round of showers could return to central and northern Maine by Sunday evening.
Thunderstorm warnings and advisories may continue overnight, so check for updates at weather.gov/car.
