Drought relief ahead later this week, Tropical Storm Elsa still looks to impact Maine later this week

7/7/2021

Tropical Storm Elsa’s track shifts west

Tropical storm Elsa made landfall this morning along the north Florida gulf coast and will continue working its way northeast throughout the week. Impacts include excessive rainfall, flash flooding, tropical storm force winds, high surf, and rip currents. The storm is likely to weaken over the southeast before re-strengthening over the ocean off the mid-Atlantic and northeast coasts.

Wet July for some, but year to date deficits still large

While many regions still have significant deviations from normal rainfall, recent rain over the past week as helped to ease the drought conditions a bit. Additional rain this week as well as rain from Tropical Storm Elsa on Friday may help to further alleviate the drought conditions.

Rain moves in on Thursday

A low pressure system tracking east into New England on Thursday will bring the potential for rain to spread across the region beginning in the west and spreading throughout the rest of the state by nightfall. Overnight, the warm front will continue to produce a steadier rain over the region. The rain will be heavy at times due to high moisture content in the atmosphere. Temperatures during the day are likely to stay in the 50’s in the western mountains and in the 60’s elsewhere although the Penobscot River Valley and Eastern Interior regions may reach the low 70’s.

Tropical Storm Elsa brings heavy rain on Friday

Tropical Storm Elsa will be moving up the northeast coast with rain beginning in Maine on Friday morning. The rain is likely to be heavy at times and may lead to some flash flooding. Substantial rainfall should also help alleviate some of the current drought conditions. Storm surge is not expected to be a major issue, especially as tides are not at astronomical highs. Any storm surge that does occur should have a low impact and occur close to noon during high tide. Surf will likely not be too significant, but waters will certainly be more rough than normal so make sure to exercise caution near the ocean. Sustained damaging winds are not a major concern but there still exists the threat of a few damaging gusts as storms imbedded in Elsa’s bands mix down fast winds aloft to the surface. Temperatures should reach the upper 60’s across much of the region although a few areas in the eastern interior region may reach the lower 70’s.

Flash flood risk from Tropical Storm Elsa

Flash flooding is a risk from Elsa as extended periods of heavy rain impact the area. Combined with dry soil as a result of current drought conditions, this will increase the likelihood of water running off the surface and allowing rivers to overflow their banks.

Sun and warmth returns for the weekend

As rain comes to an end overnight on Friday, clouds will begin retreating early Saturday morning, leading to mostly sunny skies on Saturday and a mix of sun and clouds on Sunday. A stray shower or two on Saturday is still possible. Temperatures will be in the 70’s over most of the region while the Western mountains and coast may stay in the upper 60’s on Saturday. On Sunday, temperatures should be in the 70’s and may even reach the 80’s just west of the coast.

Some showers to start the week

Some showers associated with an area of low pressure are possible during early next week on Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures are likely to stay warm across the region, remaining in the 70’s and 80’s.

Temperature outlook

Temperatures stay on the cooler side on Thursday and Friday before becoming warmer over the weekend and into next week.

Hiking or Camping?

Are you planning to camp or hike near a stream or river? Remember that it doesn’t have to rain directly over you for there to be flooding. If you notice even a slight rise in water level, seek higher ground immediately! weather.gov/safety/flood-during

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► ► For the latest official forecasts, bulletins, and advisories, please check in with the National Weather Service in Gray for western and southern areas, or Caribou for northern and eastern parts of Maine.

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