Bangor, Maine – Hot, smoky air settled across much of northern and central Maine Wednesday, with the National Weather Service warning residents in Dover-Foxcroft, Lincoln, Topsfield, and the Central Highlands to expect unhealthy air quality through 11 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service Caribou, an Air Quality Alert is in effect as Canadian wildfire smoke drifts into the region, sending particle pollution to levels that may impact sensitive groups. The Bangor, Dover-Foxcroft, and Lincoln areas could see heat index temperatures soar into the mid-90s by afternoon, while a few isolated thunderstorms may pop up north of Katahdin.
Travelers and residents in Bangor, Lincoln, and along Route 6 should take extra care, as the poor air may trigger headaches, breathing difficulty, and fatigue—especially for seniors, children, and those with respiratory issues. Keep windows closed, use air conditioning if possible, and limit outdoor activity. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection urges everyone to check real-time air quality updates and avoid strenuous activities outdoors until the alert lifts.
A cold front arrives Thursday, bringing showers and thunderstorms mainly from the Central Highlands northward, with the potential for heavy downpours and gusty winds. Drier, cooler air moves in for Friday and the weekend, but showers may return to northern Maine by Sunday.
Air Quality Alerts remain possible as wildfire smoke persists. Stay tuned to weather.gov/car for updates.
