Another blast of summer heat, humidity and storms through Wednesday

8/30/2022

Before I get into the outlook, a heads up for folks in the western mountains. The Sugarloaf Mountain NOAA Weather Radio transmitter is offline and will be for a few days. With the potential for strong to severe storms through Wednesday, please make sure your radios are set to pick up forecast information and warnings from any of the three stations that you can pick up. I know it can be a bit tricky to get alternate stations in the valleys. Make sure that you test to find out what station you can receive well and check your phones for service quality. Have weather app that can deliver bulletins to you. My personal preference is the AccuWeather app based on experience in comparison to others.

Back to the swamp once again

It's those icky, sticky, late days of summer. The dew points have been higher at times previous, but the relative humidity levels may be higher this time around. What is the difference between dew point and relative humidity? The dew point is the condensation temperature of the air. Relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air relative to the air temperature. With dew points around 70° and actual temperatures in the 80s, relative humidity levels push to 60-65% which is gross factor 4 out of 5 level. It won't be as bad as we've seen this summer, but humid enough to be air-you-can-wear.

Relief is coming!

A late afternoon shower / storm possible
for the Quebec border areas

Tuesday 3 PM to Wednesday 3 AM - Guidance has been rather poor with the timing of the approach of the frontal boundary over the past couple of days. I've stated ad nauseum on this site over the years that models are too progressive with cold air and get caught in that trap. It's an indicator of just how refreshing the air will be behind the front. While the HRRR idea here shows showers and storms holding off until early evening, there is the risk some outflow cells may pop early. Keep an eye to the sky after 3 PM. With the region squarely in the warm sector, some rumbles of thunder are possible heading into the evening. While the severe risk is low, the main threat is for gusty wind and downpours with any storms that develop.

MidCoast and DownEast areas may be dealing with fog for a good portion, if not the entire day. A breeze off the water keeps temperatures cooler along the shorelines that will increase as the front approaches in the afternoon. Heat indices will reach the low 90s into The County. It's a day to take it easy if you are working outside, stay hydrated and take frequent breaks to cool down.

If you are headed for the beach, go early, and claim a spot in the dry sand. Tides are not crowd friendly with the high-water mark in the early afternoon on the smaller beaches.

Showers and storms through Wednesday

Wednesday 3 AM to 3 PM - Some folks could get a decent shot of rainfall; others may not get anything given this potluck set up. Where heavy rain falls, some areas may max out with 1"+ if the ball on the roulette wheel falls right. The heavier showers and isolated storms may backfill to enhance rainfall. Southern areas have the best chance for a shower and/or storm in the morning. Much of the activity is expected for eastern and northern areas in the afternoon, with isolated showers possible for the western mountains.

Wednesday 3 PM to Thursday Midnight - Showers and storms end from west to east for the interior heading into Wednesday night. Folks camping out at Baxter may be drip-drying overnight. Expect the possibility of a rumble as a parting gift.

Relief from the humidity for all by early Thursday

Wednesday Midnight to Thursday 2 AM - I had to drop this in the update, just because it is going to feel awesome. Windows open, air conditioners off, enjoy a wonderful sleep.

Is this the last of the heat? Too early to say. Seeing where we've had 80s in late September last year and the way the Bermuda High may play a factor in the pattern next month, I am not sticking a fork in the heat and humidity just yet.

Outlook through Sunday

The only blip on the radar for some shower activity after Wednesday comes on Sunday. For now it appears to be an afternoon / evening affair, and I don't expect too much of an inconvenience at this point. Dew points remain comfortable. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-70s to low-80s with dew points in the low to mid-50s. It'll be a great weekend overall.

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NEXT UPDATE: WEDNESDAY

Stay updated, stay on alert, and stay safe!

- Mike

NOTE: The forecast information depicted on this platform is for general information purposes only for the public and is not designed or intended for commercial use. For those seeking pinpoint weather information for business operations, you should use a private sector source. For information about where to find commercial forecasters to assist your business, please message me and I will be happy to help you.

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